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, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:13-14, NKJV)

We often sing or say or write this angelic announcement of the Incarnation in our Christmas songs and greetings as if the angels declared the birth of the Messiah brought new conditions to the earth–peace and good will.

We think of “peace” as meaning nations not at war with one another and “good will” as people being kind to one another. Yet we know that on earth nations are at war with one another and human beings showing kindness to other human beings is often lacking.

While we are most familiar with the KJV translation of these verses through traditional Christmas songs and pageants, other readings of these verses better reveal the intent of the announcement: “Peace on earth to people he favors” (CSB); “On earth peace among people with whom He is pleased” (NASB); “On earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (NIV); ”Peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (NLT).

The Annunciation isn’t declaring a new state of affairs in relationships among human beings. Rather, it is affirming the fulfillment of the covenant relationship between God and human beings.

The outcry of the angelic host is declaring the realization of peace and good will of God toward humanity!

Christmas celebrates the birth of a Savior whose life and death substantiates the redemptive purpose of God for humanity. The Son of God came in the flesh, born under the Law to fulfill the Law on our behalf so that we could become God’s children (Galatians 4:4-5).

Christmas celebrates the Peace and Good Will God extends to us through our Savior Jesus Christ.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14, NKJV)