"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
(Luke 2:14 NIV)
Peace on earth. Most of the time it feels elusive; improbable. And yet when the angels appeared to the shepherds, announcing Jesus’ birth and giving honor to God, they also declared peace to those of us here on earth. Note that this announcement was made not to key religious leaders, not to prominent members of the community, but to shepherds, who did not hold a respected position in the social hierarchy.
Even before his ministry on earth began, the announcement of Jesus’ birth, and the accompanying promise of peace to those who believe in him, came first to those who were marginalized in their community. In purposefully revealing his birth to the shepherds, Jesus was already modeling what his ministry would go on to demonstrate: that his peace is available to everyone.
Right now, we may find ourselves feeling like peace on earth is a dream that is especially out of reach. But what might it look like for each of us to follow the example Jesus’ birth sets for us, and reach out in peace to someone today?