There have been many stories, movies, and historical reports of both sanctioned and spontaneous Christmas truces over the years. These stories often give us a warm feeling to learn how soldiers involved in bloody conflict set down their arms for even a few hours in order to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.  

In today’s contentious times, wouldn’t it be marvelous to see those who are so militantly involved in the culture wars set aside their attempts to force their own worldview on those who disagree? What if we met one another in the spirit of goodwill and declared a ceasefire, for even the forty-eight hours of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, before taking up our weaponized words and sniping at one another over every real or imagined offense?

Most of us are familiar with the words of the angels announcing the Christ’s birth,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” Luke 2:14 (ESV)

Peace is promised to those with whom God is pleased. This peace is not dependent upon any negotiated truce with one’s foes. It is an incomprehensible inner peace despite circumstances.

We welcome Jesus into our hearts at Christmas to find this different kind of peace. When we hold onto Him as our only Savior, we have peace with God.