From a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor, Shades Mountain Baptist Church
Birmingham, AL

 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.”
Luke 2:14 

Peace on earth is a term that gets tossed around a lot at Christmas. We sing Christmas songs about peace on earth and goodwill toward men. Where do we find this peace? Certainly, peace on earth is not a reality for many people. We see turmoil and chaos and fighting and war & terror. Where is the peace on earth? Luke 2:14 gives great insight into how we find peace on earth: it is promised to those with whom God is pleased.  

Here is the big question for Christmas: How can God be pleased with us? Make it personal; is God pleased with you? As you think about your life, what you are doing, and what you have done, is God pleased with you?

Can God be pleased with you? 

The answer is, “Yes!” and here is how He can be pleased with you: 

1. God is pleased with those who keep His law. 
   God has given us his word to show us His law and the standard against which every life will be measured. Romans 2:13 says, “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” It is not enough to simply hear about God’s law. The doers of the law are the ones who will be justified and made right with God, and they are the ones pleasing to God. This is an impossible task! 
   
   
2. God is pleased with His Son. 
   Luke 2:12 tells us, “And this will be a sign for you; you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Shepherds would have been familiar with wrapping a newborn in swaddling cloths and laying it in a manger. When a lamb was born for sacrifice at the temple, it would have been wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger so it would not bruise or hurt itself. It had to be spotless and without blemish to be a worthy sacrifice. This is precisely why Jesus came! He is the ultimate and final sacrifice. The only worthy sacrifice for our sin. The spotless Lamb of God without blemish. 
   
   
3. God is pleased with all who are in Christ. 
   This is why Christmas is such good news of great Joy. All who trust in Jesus will be forgiven and made right with God. The good news of great joy at Christmas is this: if God looks at you and sees Jesus, He will be pleased with you! As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 
   
   A Christian is not a religious affiliation.
   A Christian is not a political affiliation.
   A Christian is not a family affiliation.
   A Christian is a new creation.
   A Christian has received a new life through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

So, how would you answer this question: Are you a Christian?

If so, praise God!

If not, today will be your best day ever if you put your faith in Jesus Christ!

DIG DEEPER
“Read “What is the Grace of God?” at GotQuestions.org