Peace on Earth?
Pastor Tan Thai · Dec 16, 2018
This Christmas sermon examines the angels' proclamation of 'peace on earth' and questions whether it refers to political peace or worldly inner tranquility. Through an analysis of Luke 2, the pastor demonstrates that true peace is God's grace-gift given specifically to those who receive Christ, independent of outward circumstances.
The sermon opens with the scene of the angels appearing to the shepherds on the night of Christ's birth, proclaiming the Good News of the Savior and singing 'peace on earth' (Luke 2:10-14). The pastor poses two central questions: is peace on earth genuinely attainable, and does the incarnation of Jesus Christ truly bring peace to the world?
The first section argues that peace in the worldly sense — the absence of war or inner tranquility achieved through material means — is unattainable. The pastor surveys history from the Age of Enlightenment, which hoped that reason and science would bring human progress, yet the 20th century witnessed the greatest bloodshed in history. Even the Pope acknowledged that humanity is experiencing a fragmented third world war. James 4:1-2 explains that wars and conflicts arise from greed and self-interest within the human heart — as long as sin remains, the world cannot have peace.
The second section analyzes the true meaning of the angels' proclamation. The pastor demonstrates that an accurate translation of Luke 2:14 is 'peace on earth to those who have received God's grace,' not to everyone indiscriminately. This peace is inseparable from salvation, as confirmed by Simeon's words when he saw peace in God's deliverance (Luke 2:29-31). Jesus also clearly distinguished 'my peace' from 'the peace the world gives' (John 14:27), and declared that although there will be tribulation in the world, He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
The pastor uses the image of a baby sleeping peacefully in its mother's arms during a storm at sea to illustrate God's peace: not the absence of the storm, but security within God's protection. Psalm 46:1-3 and Philippians 4:7 are cited to confirm that this peace surpasses all understanding and guards the heart in Christ Jesus.
The sermon concludes with a call to choose: either the world's peace based on material possessions, talent, and wealth — all of which will eventually be lost — or the peace that Christ gives to those who receive His grace. Only those who trust in Jesus Christ will truly experience what the angels sang on Christmas night: peace on earth to those upon whom God's favor rests.