Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/1189422
22 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." These words from the worshipping heavenly throng can help shock us out of the sea- sonal routines that so easily numb us to the epochal significance of the nativity. As far back as eight centuries before he appeared, the coming Messiah was heralded as the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). Our word "peace" is translated from a Hebrew word, shalom, that is rich in meaning. Unlike the simpler ideas of quiet or freedom from agitation or threat, the Hebrew word carries the richer sense of wholeness, health, wellbeing, harmonious relationships, and tranquility. The word so epitomizes the sense of wellbeing that shalom can be used to describe the blessings of salvation as in Isa. 52:7, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace (shalom), who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" And it is just this kind of good news that the angelic host was declaring to the shepherds! The angelic worship was both heavenly and earthly. It was first directed to God himself, declaring God to be worthy of the highest glory. Like the heavenly assembly, Christmas points us to the One God who is worthy of more than gold and silver tinsel that will fade; he is worthy of the highest honor and glory. While the highest glory is due God, it is peace, shalom, that is the blessing given to those upon whom God's favor rests. There is a note of soberness in this oracle of the nativity. The peace that God offers is a peace that comes through the long-anticipated Messiah, the Prince of Peace. With the birth of this innocent babe came the hope of salvation to the world. This infant would grow into the One who reconciled God's estranged creation to Himself by His own life, death, and resurrection. The dream of happiness, fulfillment, and blessing that people desire to give and receive at Christmas is but a faint glimmer of the shimmering diamond of shalom that God offers in Christ to all who would believe in him. The fondest desires of the human heart will be met fully in the relationship of peace with God into which we are invited in Jesus, the Christ. The most precious gift we could offer or possess this Christmas is the gift of the Prince of Peace. Eddie Broussard BoArd memBer "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" – Isaiah 52:7 prince oF peAce December 17