Advent Reflections: The Angels' Message of Peace

On the official “Breedlove Advent wreath,” the fourth candle reminds us of the angels’ declaration of peace. After announcing the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds, the heavenly army sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”

Why peace? Why did the angels declare peace to God’s people, and not hope, salvation, or joy? All these would have fit the situation—why did they choose to sing “peace”?

In pondering this question, it is worth remembering that biblical peace is far more than the absence of hostility. In the Bible, peace is pictured as all things restored, everything in perfect harmony. It is pictured as the barren giving birth, the lame walking, lions and lambs playing together, poisonous snakes ceasing to be dangerous to children, tears being wiped away, sickness eradicated. It isn’t just the absence of war; it is the positive presence of everything as it was created to be.

This is what the angels declared to the shepherds. The Messiah ushers in this all-things-restored peace. The peace is offered to those with whom God is pleased, and God is pleased with all those who simply trust him (Heb. 11:6). It is true that the peace offered will only reach its full culmination in the return of Christ, but even now, he brings true peace to us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

The next few days are a whirlwind for most of us, and often are sprinkled with sadness even in the midst of joy. Christmas has a way of offering both joy and sadness, especially for those who are alone. In the moments of exhaustion or discouragement, remind yourself of the peace the angels declared. The Messiah came to put all things to right, and even if we have only been given a foretaste of what this will mean, his peace is greater than anything we can achieve for ourselves. Cling to him in faith, and he will give you his peace.

Steven+