An Instrument of Peace

Luke 2: 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

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I am struck today by the difference between the King James version (KJV) of this verse, "peace on earth, goodwill towards men," and the New International Version (NIV) seen above. The New American Standard Version says "peace among men with whom He is pleased."

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So what might this verse mean regarding peace? After reasearching this a bit, I find the original langauge it was written in to show that peace comes through man's relationship with God. It spreads out from His people. I like the way Adam Clarke's commentary puts it.

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"When men become reconciled to God, through the death of his Son, they love one another. They have peace with God; peace in their own consciences; and peace with their neighbours: good will dwells among them, speaks in them, and works by them." Adam Clarke

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May I radiate peace this day in all I do. May I touch others. As St. Francis of Assisi said, "Lord make me an instrument of thy peace."

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.