The real message of “peace on earth” …

“Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” The phrase floats through Christmas carols and decorates holiday cards, painting a picture of universal harmony. But have you ever paused to wonder if this is really what the angels proclaimed on that first Christmas night?

The version you likely know comes from the King James Bible: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” Luke 2:14. Yet, many modern translations render this verse differently. For example, the New Living Translation states: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” The contrast is striking. One suggests peace and goodwill for everyone, while the other narrows the promise to those with whom God is pleased.

The divergence stems from the underlying Greek texts. The King James Version relied on the Textus Receptus, which includes the phrase “goodwill toward men” (Greek: eudokia). However, many older and more reliable manuscripts discovered later include a slightly different word form (eudokias), meaning “of goodwill” or “of favor.” This subtle change clarifies that peace is extended not universally, but to a specific group — those upon whom God’s favor rests.

So, who are these favored ones? The answer lies in the larger message of the Gospel. Hebrews 11:6 tells us: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Faith is the key to pleasing God.

Further, Romans 5:1 explains, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” This peace isn’t a vague sense of calm or goodwill between people, it’s the reconciliation between a holy God and sinners who trust in Christ’s atoning work.

The angels’ announcement wasn’t a promise of world peace or a blanket blessing for humanity. It was an invitation into the peace that comes from knowing God through Jesus Christ. As John 3:36 warns, “And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”

This Christmas, let’s not sentimentalize the angels’ words into mere pleasantries. Instead, let’s embrace their true meaning: peace is available, but only to those who enter into a covenant relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. That’s the good news worth celebrating!

Scotty