Scripture Reference: Luke 1:67-69, 78-79

Showing the Way to Peace

In addition to giving light to us in our darkness, “the Dayspring from on high” has another purpose: “To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Christmas has always been associated with our hope for peace, and it still is, but it is more than that. It is more the source of our peace than anything else.

The Bible is the most realistic and truthful literature in all the world and tells what it sees the way it is. It often shocks pious souls as it points to the unvarnished, unredeemed drives of power in people, their human (natural) nature. It tells how sadistic and preying people can be and reports strife, conflict, and war. Yet it always dreams of peace. Amid the rancorous, clamoring voices of strife there is heard a voice of peace. The Bible is bifocal and sees life as it is and also as it ought to be and someday will be. The Bible knows a secret: This is God’s world, and He sets the boundaries and shapes the ends of human history. Therefore things are going to come out right, although never willy-nilly and automatically. God calls us into the struggle of shaping the course and end of human destiny.

We understand why the Bible can hope for peace. In a war-torn world it dreams of peace among the nations: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4).

Knowing that peace does not come by impersonal forces, it foresees the Person of peace: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

The Bible is so bold as to dream of peace so all-pervading that even nature will lose its venom and hostility. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and lion shall live in peace. Even the small child need not fear to play over the hole of the asp. (See Isaiah 11:6-8).

Christmas broadcasts the theme of peace. But it does so much more. It is the fulfillment of the finest dreams for peace as well as a new beginning of peace, our best source of peace. A day has broken from beyond us, and its light has shone into our darkness to guide our feet into the way of peace. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14).

To Be Continued

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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