Luke 2- Christmas Story

Obviously, I am not staying on a strict diet of Psalm as I had planned.  But on Christmas Eve day, how could I not include a thought or two on the second chapter of Luke?  It is in this chapter Luke writes about the manger birth, the angelic announcement and temple presentation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Growing up in the church, I didn't think there was anything new for me in the Luke's recounting of the Christmas story.  I have heard it read on countless Christmas Eves, heard it preached in candle-light services and sat through many sermons on the chapter.  But, as I read it today, verse 14 stuck me.  I use the NIV for my morning readings.  In verse 14 the angels say ¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  It was the last part, "on whom his favor rests" is what threw me.  I had been used to the KJV which does not include "on whom his favor rests".  In the KJV, the angels are saying,  ^14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  So, I went to a commentary web site and looked at this verse in several translations.  There seem to be more translations of Luke 2:14 that include "on whom his favor rests" when compared to those that don't include the phrase.


Not that this realization shakes the foundation of my faith, but it did get me to thinking, "What is the significance of that one five-word phrase?"   The New Living Translation and English Standard Version, both have God's favor being offered "to those with whom God is pleased."  A fairly significant difference from the KJV, which seems to be the preferred text for most midnight Christmas Eve services.


Does that mean only men "on whom God's favor rests" will receive the peace of Christ?  Perhaps, peace is to all men because God's favor rests on mankind.  I am not too sure.  I would welcome any thoughts on the issue.  


What I do know, is that when I allow my life to get to a place where it is not pleasing to God, the peace promised by the angels is not to be found.  Even though I remain God's child, disobedience, indifference and distance can easily rob me of the inner peace, calm and joy that is present when I am spending daily time alone with God and aligning my actions and thoughts to His will.

Praise to God the Father for his Christmas gift to the world- 
Jesus Christ!