For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9.6, ESV, emphasis mine)

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 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 among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2.11 – 14, ESV, emphasis mine)

Peace…it comes up A LOT in scripture, but we can’t just wait for Jesus to bring peace in some magical way. He said:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5.9, ESV)

I was reminded of this truth at a beautiful concert last week by the Collingsworth Family, whom I had not seen before. Some friends highly recommended them, and now I do too! Two of the three daughters played a simple violin arrangement of “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” accompanied by their mother. This video, shot a few years ago when one of the daughters was pregnant, doesn’t quite capture the words that were projected as they played so I reproduce them here. Take the four minutes to listen and meditate on the words. It’s worth it.

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With ev’ry step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me

Songwriters: Jill Jackson / Sy Miller

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12.18, ESV)