Today’s Christmas Devotion

December 14, 2023

Bible Reading: Isaiah 9:6 & Romans 1:7

To further identify the child “called wonderful,” Isaiah informs us that He will also be called “The Prince of Peace.” Contrary to popular opinion, Christ did not come the first time to bring peace on earth. Instead, He came to bring a sword (Matthew 10:34). His coming has divided the whole world into saints and “ain’ts.” Even family members and friends find themselves on opposite sides of life’s most important issue—whether to receive or reject Jesus Christ as their Savior.

The heavenly host’s announcement of the child’s birth to the shepherds in Luke 2:13-14—“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”— is more properly translated—“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rest.” That Christ did not come the first time to bring peace on earth is easily proven by the fact that there has never been a time of worldwide peace on earth since the Savior was born.

Although Christ is coming the second time to bring peace on earth (Isaiah 2:4), He came the first time to bring peace with God. He came, as the angels announced to the shepherds, to bring “peace to men on whom His favor [grace] rest.” Thanks to Christ’s coming, we can all have peace with God by becoming recipients of the grace of God.

Even casual students of God’s Word are familiar with the Scripture’s oft-repeated Pauline salutation: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2). Have you ever noticed how “grace” always precedes “peace” in this well-known scriptural refrain? No one will know peace with God until they have first experienced the grace of God. 

It is only your surrender to Christ, the Prince of Peace, that can bring you peace with God, by bringing an everlasting end to your enmity with God.