“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind” (Luke 2:14 Evangelical Heritage Version).

What greater reason to give God glory than to hear the message of the angels that first Christmas night: Because of this child born in Bethlehem, God was bringing his peace and good will to all people on earth. This was not just any kind of peace. It was the peace between man and God that was possible only because of the Savior who would bring sinful man and a holy God back together again. This was not just any good will that had come. It was the good and gracious expression of love from a God who would not let his people die in their sins.

In a world in which peace is hard to find and in a world in which the love of many has grown icy cold, God once again fills our ears and hearts with the message of the only kind of peace and love that really matters—the peace and love that reaches down to us and, through Jesus, brings us joy that extends to all eternity.

May these days of celebration focus on that gift of God’s love—his own Son—and fill you and your families with the peace that he brings.

Serving in Christ,
President Mark Schroeder