The U2 song, which was so popular after 9-11, captured the thoughts of many: “Peace on Earth, Hear it every Christmas time, But hope and history won't rhyme, So what's it worth? This peace on Earth”

   The angels sang about “Peace on earth” while announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds 2,000 years ago (Luke 2:13-14). That phrase is in many Christmas songs, but what does it mean? The U2 song writer, and popular culture, take this Christian phrase to mean peace between people on earth, but that is not what the angels were singing about. Jesus was not born to bring peace between people, nor between nations.

Adam and Eve rebelled against God, and we as their descendants, are by nature also in rebellion against God. Our rebellion, our sin, separates us from God. Yet God loves us and did what was required to bring us back.

   The U2 song continues, “Sick of hearing again and again, That there's gonna be, Peace on Earth” and repeatedly asks, “Jesus can you take the time, To throw a drowning man a line.”

   The Gospel, or Good News, is that Jesus has done far more than to throw a line to us. Jesus came to make permanent peace between God and all people, between God and you, between God and me. Jesus brought peace on earth by living a sinless life in our place, and by dying on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

The Christmas song, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” tells the story so well, “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”

   Jesus offers you peace with God right now. Do not reject Jesus as your Savior, and remain in rebellion against God. Believe in the free gift that God offers, eternal life in haven (John 3:16).