"Yes Virginia--There Is Peace On Earth"
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14
A young girl inboxed a question to our magazine.
She had just reread, at her Sunday school class, from the Bible, the Christmas story as according to Saint Luke. The manger, the shepherds, the magi, the heavenly host, all stood out. The account dazzled her imagination with its wonders. The thoughts of that first Christmas long, long ago, on a presumably cold winter's night, bathed her soul with the visual warmth of its starlit sky. Conversely, her joy was soon eclipsed by the decree of the angels. Ironically, that which was glorious was squelched by something else shining in its verse. Peace on Earth (or also written on Earth---peace) followed by goodwill towards men is what caught the young girl's heart and eyes. She began, in her 12-year-old mind, to ponder---the reality of this heavenly message. Without refute, it was a promise from heaven, a gift from above, a decree of the Almighty. Therefore it was not just some phrase posted on t-shirts, bumper stickers, and holiday greeting cards. You see, Virginia, those her age, and those much older (and younger) were generations of humanity living in a post 911 era. The world had settled into a universal culture of hyper-security. Although as history told, the world had always vacillated between quiet times and times of unrest. Although now, the tides were more frequent and current. |
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Other places in the Old Book, in its now many translations and formats, in red (spoken by the Master---himself) declared that there would be times of wars and rumors of war. Some had discussed---if today, those things had really escalated or had the increase of social media caused what was---to be exploited and amplified more.
But the facts spoke for themselves.
2996 people were killed less than 20 years ago in the in the tragedy of 2001 centered in New York, NY. Whereas from the magnitude of that atrocity the world had somewhat rebounded, in the last several year's alone other assaults of terror had towered.
ISIS (ISIL) and radical Islam were no longer the only threats. Jointly, in all fairness, attacks from those sporting a cross also notched their guns.
In 2016, the year before her letter there were over 1797 terrorist attacks, although statistics say the number was down from 2015. Approximately 25,671-people died in those incidents, not including the multitudes injured.
Since the time the Sunday school reading was recorded there have been approximately 129 wars. It has been figured depending on the source between 150 million to 1 billion people deaths have been the result of war throughout Human History.
Even in the places deemed holy, where the Christmas story, is held most dear was not exempt. In June 2015 Charleston South Carolina, a 21-year-old man walked into a prayer meeting of a historical church firing evil through an automatic weapon. Nine children of God murdered from his rage. And not that these things, have not happened throughout the world, in October 2017, Sutherland Springs, Texas--- another man entered a church and killed 26.
If one were to watch the CWTV network, one would think racism and prejudice had been wholly swallowed by modern culture. One would think, race superiority doctrine was limited to Nazism. The marches and demonstrations throughout the world televise differently.
Virginia has been in church all her life hearing the songs of peace, love, and joy. She believes in her being God loves the transgressor. Unfortunately, she also heard the backlash of the humanist and atheist. She's heard their voice's encroachment into arenas once thought to be holy. She heard of their attempts to defile the sanctuary of those values upon which her country stands.
But the facts spoke for themselves.
2996 people were killed less than 20 years ago in the in the tragedy of 2001 centered in New York, NY. Whereas from the magnitude of that atrocity the world had somewhat rebounded, in the last several year's alone other assaults of terror had towered.
ISIS (ISIL) and radical Islam were no longer the only threats. Jointly, in all fairness, attacks from those sporting a cross also notched their guns.
In 2016, the year before her letter there were over 1797 terrorist attacks, although statistics say the number was down from 2015. Approximately 25,671-people died in those incidents, not including the multitudes injured.
Since the time the Sunday school reading was recorded there have been approximately 129 wars. It has been figured depending on the source between 150 million to 1 billion people deaths have been the result of war throughout Human History.
Even in the places deemed holy, where the Christmas story, is held most dear was not exempt. In June 2015 Charleston South Carolina, a 21-year-old man walked into a prayer meeting of a historical church firing evil through an automatic weapon. Nine children of God murdered from his rage. And not that these things, have not happened throughout the world, in October 2017, Sutherland Springs, Texas--- another man entered a church and killed 26.
If one were to watch the CWTV network, one would think racism and prejudice had been wholly swallowed by modern culture. One would think, race superiority doctrine was limited to Nazism. The marches and demonstrations throughout the world televise differently.
Virginia has been in church all her life hearing the songs of peace, love, and joy. She believes in her being God loves the transgressor. Unfortunately, she also heard the backlash of the humanist and atheist. She's heard their voice's encroachment into arenas once thought to be holy. She heard of their attempts to defile the sanctuary of those values upon which her country stands.
At her school, they were no longer allowed to tote book bags that expressed their Christianity or anything related to God (specifically, the God of the Bible). She thought that perhaps the rise of bullying, teen drug use, and suicide must somehow be connected.
Dismayed, yet seeking, the young girl searched and found our magazine with our mission of declaring hope. Her texts I received, read.
"Dear Mr. Editor," I was somewhat impressed by the greeting of the tween. "Is there really peace on earth?"
I realized her question was pointed not just at its existence, but if so and real ---where?
With all the knowledge of the Word of God I acquired, and as high as I thought my faith to be, I had to stop, pray, and listen to the voice of God. In responce, my words had to be where a 12-year-old could grasp and receive. My first thought, of course, was---yes.
I knew this was the answer just because the Word of God said it was. Then, I realized---"peace" could not be just the absence of war and conflict---it had to be more. For even on that Bethlehem night, darkness thought its hold on men was eternal.
Dismayed, yet seeking, the young girl searched and found our magazine with our mission of declaring hope. Her texts I received, read.
"Dear Mr. Editor," I was somewhat impressed by the greeting of the tween. "Is there really peace on earth?"
I realized her question was pointed not just at its existence, but if so and real ---where?
With all the knowledge of the Word of God I acquired, and as high as I thought my faith to be, I had to stop, pray, and listen to the voice of God. In responce, my words had to be where a 12-year-old could grasp and receive. My first thought, of course, was---yes.
I knew this was the answer just because the Word of God said it was. Then, I realized---"peace" could not be just the absence of war and conflict---it had to be more. For even on that Bethlehem night, darkness thought its hold on men was eternal.
A Briefing On Peace
Peace was something more. Peace was not just a feeling of comfort. Peace was rooted and founded in something deeper. Peace had to be declared---preached. The souls of men---male and female, boys, and girls had to be reminded. The torrential winds of hate, violence, and terrorism had to reminded, like Jesus to the storm on the sea.
Peace had to be enforced like with a police officer's whistle. Peace had to be grasped, imagined and ran with like the baton of a runner in a relay. Peace had to be maintained and not allowed to be disrupted. At the beginning and end of a day, peace had to be received.
Peace does not come by the will of men to mimic heaven on earth. It wasn't a feeling of euphoria. It wasn't just the still waters in a photographer's portrait. It wasn't the quiet house after the kids were off to school.
Peace was a central constant of the universe---not mystical, but necessary for the cosmos to exist. Peace was when there was nothing missing and nothing broken. It "was when" everything was alright---but not based on the externals alone, but the inward knowing of a calmed core. Peace was not always noiseless but felt in the roar of a massive turbine generator bolted to its floor, but supplying power to the grid.
Peace was a person, an entity. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. God is the God of peace. Peace came from heaven and declared to men from its foundation.
So yes Virginia, there is peace on earth
It is found first upon the sacrifice of itself on the cross. Peace died and rose again taking its eternal place in the lives of those who receive it. Peace sits in Heaven and rules in the hearts of men who yield to its control. Soon peace, to the earth, will return in judgment, in the days soon to come
So preach peace Virginia and all that read. True peace is declared in the gospel. Its revelation proclaimed not only that night long ago, but that day in the town of Nazareth. It was a Sabbath's mourn, when the one, supposedly Joseph's son, stood at that pulpit and declared peace to all who were poor, hurting, or despised---both then, now, and forever.
So you proclaim it Virginia, like the angels above, Peace on earth and goodwill towards men.
Peace had to be enforced like with a police officer's whistle. Peace had to be grasped, imagined and ran with like the baton of a runner in a relay. Peace had to be maintained and not allowed to be disrupted. At the beginning and end of a day, peace had to be received.
Peace does not come by the will of men to mimic heaven on earth. It wasn't a feeling of euphoria. It wasn't just the still waters in a photographer's portrait. It wasn't the quiet house after the kids were off to school.
Peace was a central constant of the universe---not mystical, but necessary for the cosmos to exist. Peace was when there was nothing missing and nothing broken. It "was when" everything was alright---but not based on the externals alone, but the inward knowing of a calmed core. Peace was not always noiseless but felt in the roar of a massive turbine generator bolted to its floor, but supplying power to the grid.
Peace was a person, an entity. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. God is the God of peace. Peace came from heaven and declared to men from its foundation.
So yes Virginia, there is peace on earth
It is found first upon the sacrifice of itself on the cross. Peace died and rose again taking its eternal place in the lives of those who receive it. Peace sits in Heaven and rules in the hearts of men who yield to its control. Soon peace, to the earth, will return in judgment, in the days soon to come
So preach peace Virginia and all that read. True peace is declared in the gospel. Its revelation proclaimed not only that night long ago, but that day in the town of Nazareth. It was a Sabbath's mourn, when the one, supposedly Joseph's son, stood at that pulpit and declared peace to all who were poor, hurting, or despised---both then, now, and forever.
So you proclaim it Virginia, like the angels above, Peace on earth and goodwill towards men.
Scripture Reference
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 |
These statistic list in this article are for literary reference only, please visit these listed sources for more concise totals.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_terrorist_incidents_in_2016
- http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/06/books/chapters/what-every-person-should-know-about-war.html
- http://www.datesandevents.org/events-timelines/24-timeline-of-war.htm
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/202871/number-of-fatalities-by-terrorist-attacks-worldwide/
A Briefing On Peace by Author, Editor, Life Coach, Speaker
Notes and thoughts from a short study on peace---by author & editor Terrence Clark
Hebrew – shalom----completeness, soundness, welfare, peace / completeness (in number) / safety, soundness (in body) / welfare, health, prosperity / peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment / peace, friendship / of human relationships / with God especially in covenant relationship / peace (from war) --peace (as adjective)
Greek---eirene (i-ray'-nay) probably from a primary verb---eírō (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity—one, peace, quietness, rest / set at one again.
(Hebrew and Greek from Strong's concordance)
Isaiah 54:13-17
13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. 14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. 15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. 16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. 17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
Thoughts---
Peace is not just the absence of war or conflict
Its fundamental—a main and necessary construct of the soul
It must be taught as elementary to life
It's an assurance / confidence---knowing the ultimate outcome
It must have a reference point
Thoughts From Scripture
Peace must be taught and demonstrated--Philippians 4:9--- Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
The Peace of God---Philippians 4:7--6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The God of Peace---Philippians 4:9---9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Perfect Peace----Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Heaven on earth--Deuteronomy 11:21
He is Our Peace --Ephesians 2:14—(ar rain nay—rest)----For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Broken down the walls ---Ephesians 2:14
The Bond of Peace—Ephesians 4:3---Ephesians 4 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
We preach peace- Ephesians 2:7--
Family Wholeness---in the midst of a broken world---
1 Thessalonians 5:23 –And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Notes and thoughts from a short study on peace---by author & editor Terrence Clark
Hebrew – shalom----completeness, soundness, welfare, peace / completeness (in number) / safety, soundness (in body) / welfare, health, prosperity / peace, quiet, tranquility, contentment / peace, friendship / of human relationships / with God especially in covenant relationship / peace (from war) --peace (as adjective)
Greek---eirene (i-ray'-nay) probably from a primary verb---eírō (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity—one, peace, quietness, rest / set at one again.
(Hebrew and Greek from Strong's concordance)
Isaiah 54:13-17
13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. 14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. 15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. 16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. 17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
Thoughts---
Peace is not just the absence of war or conflict
Its fundamental—a main and necessary construct of the soul
It must be taught as elementary to life
- A child or civilization that grows in peace grow different from one who grows in unrest
It's an assurance / confidence---knowing the ultimate outcome
It must have a reference point
- Who providing it—as in the king/father/mother/God
- It provides something—rest for the weary /hurting
- Grace and peace unto you
- Peace be still
Thoughts From Scripture
Peace must be taught and demonstrated--Philippians 4:9--- Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
The Peace of God---Philippians 4:7--6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The God of Peace---Philippians 4:9---9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Perfect Peace----Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Heaven on earth--Deuteronomy 11:21
He is Our Peace --Ephesians 2:14—(ar rain nay—rest)----For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Broken down the walls ---Ephesians 2:14
The Bond of Peace—Ephesians 4:3---Ephesians 4 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
We preach peace- Ephesians 2:7--
Family Wholeness---in the midst of a broken world---
1 Thessalonians 5:23 –And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.