It’s only a few days and it will be Christmas. And as Christians stand waiting to celebrate the Savior’s birth what thoughts do they have? As Advent winds down to the coming of Christ into this world, what are they thinking about? Christians look forward to the song of the angels, the song that we repeat in our liturgy, “Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” It is the song that echoes throughout the season, repeating a refrain that is familiar to anyone who listens to this world: peace.

But this world is a far cry from peace. This world is torn apart by wars. It is unsettled by disputes that have gone on for ages, disputes that will continue. The Miss Americas and celebrities who hope for world peace are chasing a dream. Perhaps this explains the cynicism that people have toward religion. “Christians talk about peace. Sure, look at what their peace has brought them! Look at how many have died in the name of their god’s version of peace,” they sneer.

But it doesn’t take much to figure out why there isn’t peace; all you have to do is look at the turmoil going on inside of you. This is the cause of war. This is the cause of unending dispute. The turmoil is caused by pride the enemy of peace.

Various people have offered their ideas for inner peace. The eastern religions, very popular these days, have taught us that through meditation and clearing our thoughts we can reach a state of inner harmony. The humanists of the 18th and 19th centuries taught us that peace comes from within—only you can make you happy. It’s rubbish because it all leads a person back to their own self, which ultimately leads to pride.

What the Christian needs, what this world needs, is a peace-bringer. They need someone who will do away with the pride that destroys peace. They need someone who will establish safety, a ruler who will be recognized by the entire world as truly great. We’re talking about our Advent Hope who birth into this world we celebrate in just a few days, the Advent King who will establish a kingdom of strength and greatness.

And he will be their peace.

Jesus will be their peace. He came and destroyed sin and pride on the cross. He came and rescued us from hell. He established peace between us and God. And from that peace, comes our true peace.

Peace this Christmas to all of you! Peace from the peace-bringer.