among men is goodwill

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - Luke 2:14 (ESV)

 

I like this time of year for its traditions. Watching classic Christmas movies, wearing cozy clothes, decorating with light and sparkles - its a pretty time of year. I like that there is a scheduled time each year where kind thoughts are encouraged and generous acts overflow. And the sentiments of "peace on earth, good will towards men" are especially revived this time of year I think because of its yuletide traditions. It's a chance to hit the reset button so to speak. Perhaps it shouldn't take Christmas on the calendar to make that reset happen, but let us not discourage contemplation and reflection whatever its reason.

I was reading a devotional entry from the Solid Joys app by John Piper and the introductory verse was Luke 2:14.  I was halted by the "peace on those on whom his favor rests." I had always thought it said, "and peace on earth goodwill towards men" but upon examination that's not what some bible translations state. The King James Version is what is used in the A Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon shown on TV each year and that's how I have remembered this part of scripture.

Charlie Brown in frustration yells out: "Isn't there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?"

Linus: "Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. ^"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men." That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown."

The New King James Version says basically the same but with a footnote. "And on earth peace, *toward men of goodwill."

 

A commentary I found written by Irish Bishop William Alexander states, "“Among men is good-will.” It is well known from Keble’s beautiful lines, and his note upon Pergolesi’s setting of the Vulgate version, that some manuscripts read, “among men of goodwill.” This interpretation, though it may please the fancy at first, will scarcely be accepted by the maturer judgment. It is not very concurrent with St. Luke's universal aim, and constant setting forth of the bold broad sympathy of the purpose of the Incarnation. God's love, at that moment, would not be viewed by the angels as restricted to the comparatively righteous. It was a work whose result was to be offered to all our fallen race through Him who is the son of Adam. Men of goodwill, according to the Scripture use of the word, might be too high an attribute even for the elect people of God. The third line appears to give the cause and foundation of the two which precede it. The "Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes" is He who not only brings, but is personally the Truth, the Peace, the Righteousness, the Salvation, the Redemption. Just as He is the personal Peace, so is He the personal incarnate Good-will. There is glory to God in the highest. And there is peace upon earth, for God's goodwill is amongst men. It is the equivalent of Emmanuel — God with us."

I really loved that! "Among men is good-will." Yes, quite literally. Luke is telling us that Jesus, the one and only Son of God, through whom all things were made, had just been born of a virgin, swaddled in rags, and was resting in a hay trough - Emmanuel - God with us. In Jesus Christ being born and among us, the goodwill of God is among us. What a gesture of He who made all things and to whom is glory forevermore to come and live among men as one. Gesture is by far too inadequate a word. The embodiment of love, peace, joy, and justice came and dwelled among us physically and ultimately through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension has sent the Holy Spirit to His followers so that He lives in those who believe. Talk about among us! Some may say "Why are you quibbling over this?" but it is important! "Among men is goodwill" glorifies God undoubtedly He is the giver and cause of goodwill, while "among men of goodwill" could be interpreted that the peace being given by God has somehow been earned by men with their acts.

You could rightfully say that true everlasting eternal peace is only on those whom believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord. But I really don't think that is the main message Luke was trying to share with the reader at the time of his writing. Among men is goodwill for Jesus Christ is among us; feel that truth today and may it bless you and all around you. xo