Peace on Earth?

Each Christmas season we re-read the scriptures and hear how the angels broke through the night skies and declared... “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
 and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:10,14)

So our Savior has arrived and now we get “Peace on Earth”.
What great news. No more war, famine, unruly children, no financial crisis.
If that was what the angels were announcing 2,000 years ago.... am I the only one confused and not seeing this “Peace on Earth”?

Plus what really makes things extra confusing is when Jesus says.... 
“Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! (Luke 12:51)

What?
Jesus.... the Prince of Peace did not come to bring the earth peace like the angels said?
What... Jesus came to divide people? Where is the love, joy and peace of Christmas that I’ve always heard of?

Could it be that we have heard the angels saying something that they did not say.
Yes, I fully believe that they declared “Peace on Earth”,. but the did not declare that everything would be fixed, made right or even restored. They simple said “Peace on Earth” had arrived. What actually arrived was God, in human form, as a child. Jesus had arrived. Jesus is the peace we seek. But it’s not what we thing.

I think Jesus explained the gift of peace best when he said....
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)

Peace on Earth comes when we know the “Prince of Peace” personally. As you get to really know Jesus, he brings clarity, order, peace of mind to your crazy life. The world may still be spinning out of control, but by knowing Jesus... you stop spinning out of control. With Jesus in your life you can lay your head on the pillow and sleep, in-spite the car payment being late, the kids not having good grades, or your job being on the line.

With all the great Christmas songs at this time of year, maybe it’s a secular song by the classic group Boston that nails what the angels were trying to say best.

"I understand about indecision
But I don't care if I get behind
People livin' in competition
All I want is to have my peace of mind." (Peace of Mind- Boston)