The Angels proclaimed peace to Zachariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds in the fields. They shared the Gospel message on that first Christmas, that first Noel when the angels did sing. They proclaimed that God had kept his age-old promise, first spoken to Adam and Eve right after the fall into sin but planned even before the creation of the world.
What is this peace that the angels sang about? Certainly one can look around the world and find fighting and strife. The American armed forces are currently fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. There are threats of terror. Nations develop weapons. So how can the angels brazenly declare "peace?"
The peace the angels proclaimed was peace between God and mankind. For the birth of a baby in Bethlehem was the fulfillment of a promise to send a Savior into the world, a Savior anointed by God himself (the Messiah, the Christ). This Savior would fulfill God's Holy Law and die an innocent death to pay for the sins of the world.
We rest in peace in the Lord because of the sacrifice made by the baby in Bethlehem. The angels proclaim this inner peace for souls tormented by sin and wracked by guilt. The Gospel writers report for us that many came to find healing, comfort, and solace in the Lord of the Universe. The Church spread dramatically after the Ascension and Pentecost because of this message of peace proclaimed with a cross.
We as New Testament Christians have the peace proclaimed by the angels when we read and hear the Word of God and partake of the Sacraments. We have in intimate connection with our God and Savior because of this peace. From this peace comes peace of mind and peace with fellow believers and we seek to bring this peace to unbelievers.
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