Hear again Luke 2:13-14 which states: “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’” (NASB)
These words from the heavenly host are short but full of eternal importance for us “men.” So eternal and so important to us that it bears the particular necessity of understanding our relationship to the Lord God Himself. All men on the earth are told through this proclamation: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Peace with God through His grace to His people is the message of Christmas! With so much ill will towards our fellow men around us today, so many countries in turmoil and reports of growing unrest and disasters, remembering this glorious truth declared in praise to our Lord God is an essential foundation for our Christmas joy! A joy that is everlasting and present for us now especially during this Christmas Season. “Peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Peace among men because God made it possible for man to appease Him by receiving the offering of the Lord Jesus. Glorious! Joyous! The Lord Christ was given to suffer and die for your sins instead of your having to pay for them. Make peace with God and receive life eternal!
Day after day so many people are losing their souls, pursuing their self-will and greed in rebellion against Almighty God! I encourage you especially this time of year, especially this year, to focus your attention on the above event that can ensure your relationship with the Heavenly Father. This may very well be the last time we will have the freedom and resources to enjoy Christmas as we know it. Christmas is the season to receive His peace. Receive the Christ and call on His name for the forgiveness of your sins and He will be pleased.
May we who have already received this gift, this “Good News” make sure all those we are around are given the opportunity to receive it! Let us strive to make peace and reconcile family members and friends that need to receive the Peace with God through Jesus Christ. Like never before may we pursue goodwill, not ill will, towards our fellow man because of peace with God. Christ Jesus the best Christmas present ever! There is no other peace or hope available to man except through this best gift. This is Christmas! May you and your family enjoy Christmas this year like none before, with the Glory to God, peace with God through His grace in the gift of Christ. May you offer this gift to all you know and all you are around this Christmas Season. May this be your best Christmas ever!
Robert Thompson has been the senior pastor of Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church in Snellville since May 2003. He graduated from Covenant Theological Seminary in 1986. Robert is also Chairman of the Board of Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship. He and his wife Wanda have been married for 43 years. They have three adult daughters, Amanda and twins Rebecca and Sarah. Amanda is married to Jerry Jones and they have three daughters of their own. Rebecca is married to Wesley Payton; they have two sons. Sarah is married to Mark Magdziarz and they have two daughters and two sons.
Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church 3800 Lenora Church Rd., Snellville, GA 30078
web: www.chapelwoods.org
e-mail: pastor@chapelwoods.org
phone: 770 978 1445
