From the Pulpit: 'Peace be with you'

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE to men on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:14

A few months ago, we celebrated Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Every kids program, every Christmas Eve sermon, every choir in some way remembered this deceleration of PEACE that was given to the shepherds by the Angels.  “Glory to God, and PEACE to you.”

Today we just celebrated Easter. According to chapter 20 of the Gospel of John, we see Christ declaring PEACE once again.  The first two times is the evening of the day he rose from the dead. The disciples were gathered together in a room with a locked door, terrified they might be killed next. Suddenly Christ appeared and twice declared to them, “PEACE be with you.”.

For whatever reason, Thomas was not at the first encounter. When told about it he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later, Christ showed up again, and this time he specifically spoke to Thomas, “PEACE be with you.”

Over and over in the gospels, we see the theme of PEACE. Christ preached about PEACE, he modeled PEACE. In fact, in the garden he healed a soldier’s ear, and brought PEACE to a terrifying moment.

Before he was crucified, he gathered with his disciples in an upper room. He first modeled servanthood by washing their feet. He later led them in the breaking of bread, and drinking the cup. It was during this night that he said to them, “I have told you these things, so that you may have PEACE.” John 16:33

So, following the example of Christ, in these weeks after Easter, I pray for you PEACE. And the only true PEACE comes from a relationship with the Prince of PEACE, Jesus Christ.

“The Lord bless you and keep you,

The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

The Lord turn his face toward you and give you PEACE.”  Num. 6:24-26