Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward toward men.
The angel comes to the shepherds with a message of great joy. Then all the angels gather to praise God for bringing peace to the earth. What happened? God came from heaven to earth to be born as a human being in order to bring salvation and life to all people. One of the many results of this action on God’s part is that there is now peace on earth. In heaven God is glorified; on earth peace comes to rule over the lives of those who receive the Good News of Jesus.
Peace is promised “among those with whom He is pleased,” according to the most likely reading of the original text. What pleases God? The person who receives Jesus and believes the Gospel. For them there is peace on earth. Outside of Christ there is no peace, only continual strife, turmoil, and unease.
The rebellious, self-centered, sinner is at war with God. Jesus brings peace with God: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [Romans 5:1].” Being at peace with God makes living on earth easier and trusting for the future more certain.
Second, we are at peace within ourselves. Inner struggles, emotional turmoils, and “fightings and fears within” are calmed and “peaced” with the coming of Jesus into our hearts. We cannot calm the “inner demons” by our selves, so we invite Jesus to come and grant inner peace.
Third, we enjoy the gift of peace with family, friends, and one another in relationships. Peace between sinners does not come easily, but with Jesus forgiveness and self-giving rules the day, and Jesus brings peaceful relationships.