DAY 6

PEACE GIVEN

Luke 2:10-14

¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night” is a carol of praise for the message brought to the shepherds.  That message, a Savior had been born and he is Christ the Lord.  With this birth came the declaration of, “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”  Over 2000 from his birth, we need more than ever this announcement of peace.  Why is there so little peace today?  If you reject the source of peace, you reject peace.  Jesus said in John 14:27, “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.”

Peace starts with you and me.  In this Advent season, invite the peace of Christ, which is the person of Christ, to rule in your heart and mind.

WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS BY NIGHT

Words by Nahum Tate 1702 Music By George Frideric Handel 1728

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around

“Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled minds;
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind
 

“To you, in David’s town, this day,
Is born of David’s line
A Savior, who is Christ the Lord;
And this shall be the sign
 

The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swaddling-clothes
And in a manger laid
 

Thus spake the seraph and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels, praising God, and thus
Addressed their joyful song:
 

“All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from Heaven to men
Begin and never cease