At Bethlehem, the angels declared, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." Jesus came to create peace between God and mankind. He fulfilled this on the cross. After thirty-three years on earth, living in obscurity in a remote part of the Roman Empire, God brings in his kingdom of peace without fanfare.

Romans 5:1 is written in the past tense and tell us, "we have peace." We don't have to work for it, or fear losing it. Jesus achieved peace for us. Christmas reminds us that it was God's initiative to repair the relationship between God and man. It was his decision, his choice and his desire to pursue a relationship with us. It cost God his only son, yet he thought we were worth the cost, worth the pain.

As followers of Christ, it is now our responsibility to extend his peace to others. When Jesus sent out his disciples, he instructed them: “When you enter a house, first say, “Peace to this house” (Luke 10:5). Our role is to be bringers of God’s peace. It is the role of God’s Spirit to bring conviction of sin and repentance. As we bring God’s peace into a situation, attitudes will soften, mindsets will change. The more we enjoy the peace we have with God, the more it will be evident to others that peace is possible.

This Christmas let’s celebrate the restored relationship we have with God, embracing what Christ has done, allowing the peace that he brings to touch others, so they may come to know the Prince of Peace.

Jesus poured out His blood for the New Covenant of grace and truth, replacing the Old Covenant letter of the law of Moses. Believers are exclusively under the New Covenant, the last will and testament of Jesus that began after the cross.