Good Will
December 20, 2019
One of my favorite Christmas ornaments is a Hallmark Keepsake featuring Linus on stage in a shepherd’s costume. Every year, I insert the tiny batteries, press the button, and listen to Linus quote Luke 2:8-14 just like in A Charlie Brown Christmas.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (KJV)
Verse 14 jumped out at me this year, so I searched for verse 14 in other bible translations.
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (NIV)
14 Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]. (AMPC)
14 Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. (MESSAGE)
14 Glory in the highest places to God, and upon earth peace among men of good will. (WUEST)
Merriam Webster defines “good will” as a kindly feeling of approval and support; benevolent interest or concern; friendly, helpful or cooperative feelings or attitude; compassion. Some translations lead to the thought that it is God’s good will toward men that is described, while other translations suggest that God’s peace or favor rests on men who show or demonstrate good will. So which is it, God’s good will or good will demonstrated by men? As I meditate on this, the answer seems to be both.
God loves the human race. John 3:16 says so: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The compassion and benevolence of God toward man is clear in that eternal life and the favor of God rests on any person who believes in His Son, Jesus.
And as far as man’s good will is concerned, personal experience tells me that praising and thanking God along with showing compassion and kind, friendly support to others will result in a peace in my own life, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
In the season of Christmas, I am reminded that my compassion towards men and God’s compassion toward men are intertwined. I am both the giver of that gift of compassion as well as the receiver of that gift.
