The peace we sing of as did the angels in the Nativity story is something we really want to see with our own eyes. However, since the fall, earthly life has not been without war although we may not experience it directly for a long time. But even when there is no global conflict where “nation rises against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matth. 24:7, ESV), people continue to hate each other and be at enmity with each other and sometimes it even happens that “a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.” (Matth. 10:36, ESV).

 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace” (Luke 2:14, KJV)—in the first Christmas night the angels sang of reconciliation with God, without which no peace is possible. Born among us and for our sakes, the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, ESV), brought us this reconciliation. Every person is now called to find peace with God and eternal life, repenting of their sins and joining the Church through holy baptism to live as a Christian and strive for peace with everyone. (Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14)

 

With each passing year we become more and more aware that sinful people cannot build a better world without God. That’s why we pray that He may grant that we “lead a peaceful and quiet life” (1 Tim. 2: 2, ESV) and we trust that the day will come when our Lord comes again: then all evil on earth will cease and “God will be all in all.” (1 Cor. 15: 28, ESV)

 

As you look forward to that day, come to the church as often as possible in the coming year, confess your sins, confess the faith, hear what is said about Christ in all the Scriptures (Luke 24: 27) and partake of the saving Body and Blood of the Lord to find peace with God again and again.

 

A merry Christmas to you fathers fellow-workers and beloved congregants!

 

Source: SELC Official Group in Facebook