Peace to Those with Whom He Is Pleased

Devotion

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

— Luke 2:12–14

Peace for whom? There is a somber note sounded in the angels’ praise. Peace among those on whom his favor rests. Peace among those with whom he is pleased. But without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). So, Christmas does not bring peace to all.

“This is the judgment,” Jesus said, “the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil” (John 3:19). Or as the aged Simeon said when he saw the child Jesus, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed . . . so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34–35). Oh, how many there are who look out on a bleak and chilly Christmas day and see no more than that — a sign to be opposed.

“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:11–12). It was only to his disciples that Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

The people who enjoy the peace of God that surpasses all understanding are those who in everything by prayer and supplication let their requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6–7).

The key that unlocks the treasure chest of God’s peace is faith in the promises of God. So, Paul prays, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13). And when we do trust the promises of God and have joy and peace and love, then God is glorified.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! Everyone — from every people, tongue, tribe, and nation — who would believe.

©Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/peace-to-those-with-whom-he-is-pleased

Prayer

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… out of you will come for me whose origins are from of old… He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace.”

— Micah 5:2, 4–5

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

— Psalm 23:1

Lord Jesus, Micah’s prophecy of your coming simply adds to the long list of reasons we love and adore you. Today we’re especially moved to worship you for being the Shepherd-Savior you are to us.

Having laid down your life as the Lamb of God, you’ve risen from the dead, and are now our Standing Shepherd—relentlessly caring, vigilantly protecting, and faithfully providing for us. 2020 has underscored how much we need the green pastures of your grace; and the greenest pastures of the new earth, you’ll bring with you at your return.

Because of your great love for us, we don’t have everything we want, but we lack nothing we need. Because you are Immanuel, we don’t have to be afraid of anything or anyone. You are now our life, and even death has become gain.

Your greatness will “reach to the ends of the earth,” and we will live securely forever. You are our peace—our complete forgiveness and perfect righteousness. Thank you, Lord Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your great and gracious name.