Good Will Toward Men (Luke 2:14)

2022-12-24

The heavenly host of angels proclaimed this to shepherds at the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:14)

If you have a critical text translation of the Bible, the latter part might say something like, “...on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” I am confident that “good will toward men” is the better variant. Consider that the Lord had just come into the world to save sinners, who “will have all men to be saved” and “now commandeth all men every where to repent.” The invitation is wide open to receive Jesus Christ as the Savior. The good will is offered to everybody, and His grace to anyone who trusts in Him.

Whoever you are, wherever you’ve been, whatever you’ve done, there is a fresh start and a clean slate with Jesus Christ, who bore the judgement of God for all our sins. Since He rose from the dead, He can breathe that same new life into you. Why stubbornly cling to a life without hope when you can have all things new?