Peace on Earth and good will toward men.  The sixties era analysts and new age self-servants have had a hay day with this line from the Bible, thinking it evidence that Christ’s birth produced no lasting peace.  Even senior pastors of the faith continue to misconstrue the intention of “Peace on Earth” as delivered by the angels to shepherds on the night of Christ’s arrival.  I do not wish to question the anointed of God but how does peace on Earth jive with the fact that there has been little peace throughout the history of mankind, especially during those years following the time of Jesus?  This limited usage, or post-contextual usage of God’s Word lures the unbelieving world into a false sense of scriptural understanding.  It also allows improper translation by those who have not fully studied the Word and gone to the Holy Spirit in prayer confirmation of its full meaning.  Let us look at the scripture in question in the Gospel according to Luke.

Luke 2:13-14 – And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” 

In this instance there is a qualifying statement of “men with whom He (God) is pleased.”  So it is also safe to conclude that for those with whom He is not pleased there will in fact be no peace among men.  Therefore we must understand “with whom He is pleased”, in order to launch any investigation into Christ’s birth on lasting peace.  These guidelines are answered in Hebrews 11:6 – And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.   So, no one who is an unbeliever and possesses no faith can possibly please God and therefore will not know the peace and goodwill toward men associated with birth of Christ Jesus.

Additionally, what Peace did Christ’s birth bring into the world?  The peace brought in to the world with Christ was an end to the War with God, not the communal understanding of man’s peace which will not come until Christ rules and reigns.  Unbelievers are misled in their understanding of the Bible as they are approaching the birth of Christ with insufficient perspective as to the redemptive effect of Salvation ending our battle with God.

Just as in the line John 8, where we are given the context of “the truth setting us free”.   This scripture may not be quoted out of context while producing the same intended meaning.  The qualifying statement prior to this line of scripture Jesus sets the parameters for first learning the truth which closely defines the meaning of this passage.

John 8:31-32 – To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  vast proportion of believers fail to understand in the naivete of the Bible that there are several qualifying lines prior to being set free which set the requirements to achieve that end.  Accordingly, the Peace on Earth was signification that through Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross that the War with God was over for them who believe.  This is that we have peace with God, if we choose salvation and once again may be redeemed, reconnected and placed in relationship with Almighty God and His Good Will toward men.

To those who would challenge the Deity of Christ by pointing to the absence of peace and goodwill throughout humanity I understand and sympathize with your struggle to make sense of an apparent inconsistency of scripture.  However, if you review the context of the entire passage with which you have an issue, I believe that you will find it in fact is sound, consistent and true, as is all of the Word of God.  Do not be led astray by the perpetrators of falsehood, reach out to Christ Himself and He will answer those with authentic interrogative.  For those who continue to utilize God’s word without the embedded context and dependent clauses necessary for complete understanding, you will never know the truth until you have become a disciple.  I empathize with your circumstance and have the exact salve necessary for eliminating your itching frustration; His Name is Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  If you will but open your heart and ask Him to come in a reside with You then and only then will you have knowledge of the truth which will set you free, indeed.