As we step into the year 2024, our deepest aspiration as Christians is for an abiding sense of peace within us and a life dedicated to glorifying God in all our endeavors throughout the upcoming year. Luke’s Gospel records the proclamation: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased,” encapsulating the essence of Jesus Christ’s mission. As we embark on this new year, let’s reflect on the life of Jesus Christ—a life that bestowed peace upon the earth and brought glory to heaven.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the timeless account of the shepherds in the fields. Amidst the calm of the night, these shepherds found themselves in an unexpected encounter—one that would alter their lives forever. In the stillness of the evening, an angel of the Lord appeared before them, and the radiant glory of the Lord enveloped their surroundings, instilling within them a profound sense of awe and fear. This feeling of awe, often accompanying encounters with the divine, speaks volumes about the majesty and mystery of God’s presence.
The message brought by the angel dispelled their fear, offering “good news of great joy” for all people. This proclamation of joy, resonating through the ages, heralded the birth of a Savior, Christ the Lord. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated; it marks the dawn of a new era, shattering the reign of sin and introducing a new chapter in human history.
The essence of this good news, encapsulated in the Gospel, embodies the power of God unto salvation. The life, sacrifice and resurrection of Christ constitute this gospel—the story of God’s incomparable love and redemption for humanity. This story unfolds in a manner unlike any worldly victory; it speaks of humility, self-emptying and sacrificial love.
In the profound words of the Apostle Paul, we encounter the concept of ‘kenosis’—the self-emptying of Christ. This divine act, epitomizing love, showcases the Son of God relinquishing divine glory to take on the form of a servant. This path, devoid of worldly triumphs, culminates in Christ’s obedience unto death, even death on a cross. The true glory revealed here lies not in earthly splendor but in sacrificial love, obedience, and humility.
The birth of Christ in a humble stable—a scene considered glorious in the heavenly realm—serves as a testimony to the paradoxical nature of God’s kingdom. It challenges our conventional understanding of glory and power, revealing that true exaltation lies in humility and selflessness.
The peace proclaimed on earth is not the peace the world offers, built upon power and conquest. Instead, it is the peace ushered in by the Prince of Peace—a peace that transforms the world’s order, where the gentle inherit the earth, swords become plowshares, and strife ceases.
Let’s engrave upon our hearts the profound message of this divine paradox: that true glory resides in humility and sacrificial love, and genuine peace stems from the Prince of Peace. May this revelation resonate in our lives, guiding us to emulate Christ’s love, humility and pursuit of true peace.
Let us embrace this message of God to us—the glory of humility and the peace that transcends worldly understanding—allowing it to transform our hearts and echo through our lives as a testament to the love and grace of our Savior.
