The last verse of “While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night” says “All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace: good will henceforth from heaven to men, begin and never cease – begin and never cease.” Well, we know that has only happened in partiality. There is a lot of anger here – a lot of strife. Peace good will to all is still a dream. I heard someone say “you can’t photo-shop the ugliness in the world.” Mary was putting together a Christmas list for me (cause I’m clueless) and at the bottom of the wish list it said three words.

                                                       “Peace on Earth”

When the angel announced the birth of Jesus, the host of heaven appeared with Him and praised God in these familiar words. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"                                                                                                         - Luke 2:14

The question is: Did Jesus come to earth to bring peace?  If so, then He failed in His mission because the world has not known peace since His coming.  If you have studied this text you will discover that it should read a little differently.  Literally it says - "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom He favors!

The peace promised is not to every person but rather those whom God favors.  WOW! Jesus has promised peace to believers only. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  - Philippians 4:7
There will not be peace for everyone. The nature of Jesus' message called for people to make a choice. Rather than uniting humanity, it divided friends and families. It still has that effect today. Those who believe in Jesus are separated from those who do not believe. His mission was not that of bringing peace but rather bringing the truth of God.
There will be peace someday - One day He will return and establish an everlasting kingdom where peace will be the rule rather than the exception.  The prophet Isaiah wrote. “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” - Isaiah 9:7  Until that time the message of Jesus divides those who love God's truth from those who do not. Peace to you!