PEACE ON EARTH 

Bono of U2 wrote the song “Peace on Earth" in response to the Omagh bombing of 15th August 1998, the same day that it occurred. The attack, which was committed by the paramilitary group the Real Irish Republican Army, killed 29 people. He is trying to reconcile his Christians beliefs concerning the promise of peace that Jesus brings for all of us with the violence of the bombing where so many were killed. This season, where there are currently so many conflicts in our world, can pose the same questions for many. We remember the Angels song at the birth of Jesus; “Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests.” (Luke 2:14) We then try to reconcile this with the daily news about the war in the Ukraine and the conflict across the middle east, where there is so much suffering and loss of freedom and life. The song asks the relevant question “Jesus, can you take the time to throw a drowning man a line?”

Where the song is so powerful is that it leads us to long for the true peace that God brings and it personalises that peace. The song reminds us that this peace comes from God and it starts within our hearts. That is where the good news lies. This peace is possible.

Firstly, we can enjoy peace with God. Jesus left the splendour of heaven to restore our relationship with God. In our sinful state we are enemies of God; (Romans 5:10) – “But God demonstrates his own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are restored to a relationship of peace with God (Romans 5:1). This is the deep abiding peace between our hearts and our creator that cannot be taken away (John 10:27-28). It is the ultimate fulfilment of Jesus’ work as the Prince of Peace.

Secondly, we can enjoy the peace of God which was announced by the Angels to the shepherds on the hillside just before the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:14) It’s a supernatural peace that surpasses all human understanding; “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Let me encourage you to put your trust in Jesus for when you do, you can enjoy peace with God and you can also enjoy the peace of God to help you face whatever is happening in the world around us and to help you face whatever situations and circumstances come your way. As you allow God to minister His peace to you, you can enjoy the rest of God in the storms of life in the same way Jesus did. (Matthew 8 23-27) Whatever situations you may personally be going through or facing God’s peace is there for you to experience.     
Keith 1st July 2025