Hear the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s beloved poem, Christmas Bells:

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

“Peace on earth, goodwill to men.” These words echo the angels’ announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2. They’ve become a favorite in carols, Christmas cards, and greetings this time of year—a phrase that has endured through the ages.

Many other Christmas expressions have faded: “yuletide” isn’t common anymore, and “round yon virgin mother and child” can sound confusing today. But “peace” and “goodwill” remain central.

Yet when we speak of them together—”peace on earth and goodwill toward men”—we often focus on what we ourselves desire: peace for our lives, goodwill shown to us. We talk about how we want these things done to us.

I don’t hesitate to hold up my Bible and say: Dear friends, something came before all that.

Recall the angels’ full words in Luke 2:13–14: Suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host joined the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The Gospel is careful here. The angels first glorify God, then declare peace—not as a vague universal wish, but as a gift to those who please Him. The source of this peace and goodwill is not the messengers themselves, but the message they bring.

The angel said: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

The peace and goodwill find their fountainhead in the baby in the manger—Christ the Messiah, Christ the Savior.

As Isaiah prophesied: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this” (Isaiah 9:6–7).

Christ brings peace and favor to those on whom His favor rests.

But you might ask: What does this mean for me? If Christ is the Prince of Peace, born over 2,000 years ago, where is this peace? We still see death, disease, wars, and suffering across the globe. Children starve on every continent. It seems the Savior hasn’t kept His promise.

Yet He has—fully and faithfully. The world’s problems are vast, but the deepest issue isn’t always the war in Gaza, Ukraine, or global tensions. Often, it’s the absence of peace in your own heart.

You may say, “I’m fine. I don’t worry or fear.” But if the lack of true peace doesn’t trouble you, it should—not to condemn, but to point you to the solution for humanity’s greatest need.

We’ve all tried to manufacture peace: better planning, calendars, hiring help, sending kids to grandma’s. Yet restlessness, agitation, discouragement—even depression—can linger.

Scripture exposes what we most desperately need and lack. We all crave peace, but how does this abiding peace come?

Remember the shepherds. They were tending flocks in the fields, doing their daily work, when an angel appeared with the message: A Savior has been born—Christ the Lord. The shepherds listened to “Fear not,” went to the manger, and found Him.

An angel’s glory is terrifying—enough to make anyone tremble. Only God’s messenger could say “Fear not” and bring true peace. This peace is not what the world gives. It is a deep, abiding, permanent, unshakable assurance that the greatest problem of our lives is solved.

We are no longer enemies of God. No longer hostile toward Him. When we seek Christ and trust in Him, we become friends—no longer strangers, but beloved children. “Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1).

This peace isn’t the absence of trouble. Life remains full of suffering, grief, and difficulty for Christians. But we can endure it, even rejoice in it: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).

Our conscience accuses us relentlessly: “You are guilty.” It demands a lasting solution found nowhere on earth—only in Jesus Christ.

Consider the carol “We Three Kings.” Each gift points to Christ’s life: gold for His kingship, myrrh for His anointing (and death), frankincense for burial. But on the third day, He rises! The cold stone is rolled away. Christ is born, dies, and rises triumphant—King of kings and Prince of Peace.

As Colossians 1:20 declares: Through Him, God reconciles all things to Himself, “making peace by the blood of his cross.”

Jesus made peace for us through His shed blood. Only through Him can our consciences find rest, forgiveness, and true peace.

The Bible says “all” and means all. “Whosoever will” means anyone—no exceptions, no shortcuts. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

This peace and favor come not from searching for a thing, but for a Person—Christ Himself. It endures through life’s storms, saves us from hell’s fears, and brings us to abundant, everlasting life. That life begins the moment we believe in Jesus, turning darkness to light and sorrow to joy.

As John reminds us: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), and “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

As you leave these warm walls this Christmas, look to the Prince of Peace. He has made peace between God and man—and offers abiding peace to every heart that trusts in Him.

Let’s pray.

Our Lord and God, we thank You for Your peace. Father, in life’s storms, unimaginable pain, anguish, and hopelessness, we cling to You and find light, life, and hope.

I pray each person here would embrace You as the Prince of Peace—the One who made peace by the blood of Your cross. May Your peace abide with us as we trust in You.

Through the joy and chaos of Christmas, be our hope and peace. May we seek You always, knowing You reign in glory, understand our humanity, and help us through every trial.

Abide with us. Make Your home in our hearts, Lord Jesus.

We pray in Your name. Amen.