But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
Octavian, who assumed the divine title of Augustus Caesar, was the first of several Roman emperors to use the phrase “good news” to describe what life would be like under his reign. As I mentioned in a previous devotional, emissaries of Caesar would be sent far and wide throughout the empire to proclaim this gospel (good news) to the people.
Throughout the New Testament, the language of Rome and its emperors is co-opted to describe what Jesus has done for us and to call us to give our allegiance to the true King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Son of God, Prince of Peace - terms originally used by worldly rulers.
When applied to the world into which Jesus was born, these words are particularly potent.
In fairness to Octavian, it must be said that he was a benevolent emperor or lord. And he had brought peace after many years of violence and turmoil throughout the Roman world.
But it is the pagan philosopher, Epictetus, who is credited with these words - “While the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion, grief, and envy. He cannot give peace of heart for which man yearns.”
So it is in the world in which we live. Peace is simply the cessation of outward hostility and violence. This, of course, is a good thing, but there is something much better. And the good news of a Savior and Lord, first announced by the angel to shepherds in the fields, promises something more, something better: true peace, inner peace, and in the words of Jesus, peace not as the world gives but my peace.
Whatever the circumstances of our lives and world this Christmas season, we can rejoice in knowing that we celebrate the birth of the one who brings peace into the deepest recesses of our hearts and lives.
In Christ,
Dan
‘Tis the season to experience the peace that passes understanding.
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Amen!