“Let There Be Peace On Earth”
On the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the angels sang to the shepherds: “Peace on Earth!” Peace, in the form of a baby, had arrived. This is the peace about which we sing in the carol “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” After his resurrection, Jesus greeted his disciples in the same way: “Peace!” The exorbitant price, his death on the cross, had been paid, and he spoke the blessing of peace on those who received him (Colossians 1:19-20). Before his death, he had taught them how they had access to his peace: through the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Paraclete.
Jesus assured his followers that the peace he bestowed was different than peace given, or understood, by the world (John 14:26-27). The world understands peace as the absence of conflict, the signing of a peace treaty, and all going well. His peace, shalom, bringing reconciliation, wholeness, and contentment, is a gift to be received. It is his constant presence through the Spirit, always with us. Jesus’ peace is presence, not absence.
As you sing the words “let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me,” know that this is possible because of the presence of Jesus living in you through his Holy Spirit.