And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [Luke 2:10]

This angel brought news of joy not only for Israel, or for Christians, but to all people — and to each one of us individually.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
[Luke 2:13-14]

Jon Courson says this phrase could have been translated as “Peace on earth towards men of good will.” or towards men in God’s will. Jim Crowley teaches that if you believe in Christ as the one who the Father has sent, then you will have a peace in your heart that is not affected by any outward circumstances. If, however, you haven’t put your faith in Christ, then even if things seem to be going well for you, you really don’t have true peace.

It’s important to realize that as Christians, believing on Christ is enough. We can experience God’s peace not because of what we’re doing or have done, but by what He did coming to earth to die for us. There will be people who try to make you believe that you aren’t doing enough or that Christ didn’t do enough. They’re wrong! Christ did it all! Jesus declared on the cross “It is finished!” All that remains for us to do is to love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength as a response to the loving, grace, and goodness he pours out to us every day.

My Christmas wish for each of you is that you learn to accept the gospel in all its simplicity. God has done it all. Live in the knowledge that he loves you so much that he did it all. Thank you, Lord, for being our Savior.