Choir Notes

Perfect Peace

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Don H. Staheli • Program 4395

Over 2,000 years ago, shepherds tending their flocks by night heard the herald angels’ song of peace on earth and good will toward men.1 With haste they went to Bethlehem to see Jesus, the Prince of Peace, born in the most humble circumstances. When He grew to manhood, Jesus “went about doing good"2 and teaching all who would hear Him of the pathway to peace in this life and to eternal peace in the life to come. 

Today, peace seems to be among the most difficult things to achieve. The ideal of “peace on earth” has been an elusive goal, as conflict surrounds us and differences in race and religion too often lead to discord, even violence. National border and property disputes disrupt peace, often forcing innocent victims to flee in search of safety. 

And yet, as elusive as world peace may be, sometimes the peace that is most difficult to find is personal peace of mind. The stresses and strains of everyday life can rob us of the tranquility and contentment we yearn for. 

Jesus taught that real peace comes through paying less attention to ourselves and our own needs and seeking instead to serve those around us. “Love one another; as I have loved you,” He taught.3 Perhaps it is this spirit of giving that makes Christmas such a meaningful time of year. Generosity fills the hearts of so many, and it seems that the more we give, the more we receive—though not so much of material things but of true peace. 

This is the peace that those herald angels promised on that first Christmas night—the peace that comes from helping another and bringing happiness into someone’s life. This is the peace that Jesus promised when He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you."4. This is the divine gift of Him whose birth so long ago heralded the peace that surpasses all understanding.5

1 See Luke 2:14.

2 Acts 10:38.

3 John 13:34.

4 John 14:27; italics added.

5 See Philippians 4:7.