Christmas Message

from Simon

The angels sang ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.’ Luke2v14

I have just seen the advert for the Christmas edition of East Enders which asks the question ‘will there be peace at Albert square this Christmas?’  Judging by the trailer the obvious answer is no there won’t be!  However it is only a TV soap isn’t it - life isn’t really like that is it?  Sad to say that sometimes it is.  Over the last couple of days I have witnessed anger spilling over on the streets of Newham.  The first occasion was when a young boy aged 9-10 viciously verbally abused his dad on the way to a game of football.  Then a day or so later I saw a cyclist completely lose it with a driver, who had admittedly cut him up.  On both occasions the air was blue and there was such a horrendous atmosphere left behind with very little of Christmas goodwill to all men. 

We live in a world where anger is seemingly just bubbling away under the surface, and with just one false move it erupts for everyone to see.  If only we were living in an atmosphere of peace.  Well that is the Christian hope and the Christmas message that we will indeed see peace on earth.  That is why it is so important to go back to the Christmas story – the birth of a Saviour/deliverer/rescuer who indeed brings us peace.  Peace is much more than an end of hostility it is the Hebrew word Shalom which is so rich and deep in meaning.  Shalom – means life as it really should be - that sense of well being and completeness.  In Isaiah Chapter 9 v6-7 the prophet foretells the coming birth of a child for all mankind and that one of His titles is to be that of the Prince of Peace.    In Luke’s account of the Christmas story the angels herald the Prince of Peace’s arrival and the shepherds spread the glorious news. 

The Peace maker has come – you would have thought that would have met with universal approval but it wasn’t.  There was opposition right from Herod’s attempt to do away with him at his birth right throughout his life.   Jesus – the prince of peace - was to become the recipient of such hatred, anger, both verbal and physical that ultimately saw him nailed to a cross.  Yet through that cruel execution he was able to pray ‘Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.’  Mercy and grace were released instead of threats of vengeance and retaliation.  Shalom is the very essence of what Jesus came to bring - Through his birth, life, death and resurrection he has made it possible for us to enjoy peace with God and peace with one another – Life as it really, really should be!  How will we see more peace on earth? Well it’s simple really – it all starts one life at a time.  We bring shalom into our lives by enthroning the prince of peace as the one and only true king in our hearts!

Peace to you this Christmas

Every blessing

Simon