On earth peace. — Luke 2:14
There is a beautiful verse in one of the old prophets which says: “I know the thoughts which I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” All God’s thoughts toward us are thoughts of peace. Even in our sins His thoughts are only of love. He does not desire the sinner’s death, but that he would repent and live.
The coming of Christ to live, suffer, and die for our redemption was one of God’s thoughts of peace, the most wonderful of them all. It showed how much God loves us, what He was willing to do to make peace for us. Christ first made peace for us by bearing our sins. From the cross went forth the proclamation, offering peace to all who would accept it. Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.” Then Paul says: “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.” So, everywhere the gospel goes, with its message of peace to them that are afar off and to them that are nigh.