Peace is a laughable idea – in this day and age, at least. The political pandemic in America, the war in Ukraine, the opioid epidemic across the Midwest, the culture wars of this country, and, most currently, the conflict in Gaza all work to prove this point.
The reality is that peace was just as laughable in the time of Jesus. Nearly simultaneous to Mary’s Magnificat, 2,000 Jews were crucified in the Roman-occupied Holy Land. Those who lived a generation or two later saw the temple in Jerusalem razed. In the midst of that timeline, let the reader learn of John, the cousin of Jesus, who was beheaded at the behest of a child. Finally, consider the political and spiritual execution of the Messiah himself.
Let’s be clear – the history of humanity is war, one only dotted periodically with peace – not the other way around. How then can we believe the announcement made by the multitude of the heavenly host, an announcement of “Peace on earth and good will toward all”? I readily admit, it is difficult. Even Frank Sinatra sang a musical melody to the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that spoke of this struggle:
“In despair, I bowed my head.
‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said.
‘For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.’”
There is but one resounding answer, one that rings more loud and deep – The Present. Jesus in John 14:27 pronounces a blessing: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” Perhaps the question from the classic carol, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” fits here. In this verse, two verbs exist: LEAVE and GIVE. Both are present tense verbs. This means peace is an evergreen gift.
We can believe the announcement of the angels because we believe Jesus. What we receive is the peace of the prophet and the peace of Jesus’ presence. Thus, we can rest assured the gift is given without the anxiety and tremulousness inherent in the issues of the world.
This Christmas, remember the present of peace is present tense. Live into this present peace and, for this reason…
Let not your heart be troubled or afraid.