“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.”

What is the meaning of these words, proclaimed by angels to first-century shepherds out tending their flocks by night?

Certainly, this famous passage from Saint Luke’s Gospel did not indicate that war, envy, murder and strife were ending with the birth of Jesus Christ.

In fact, for the proceeding 2,000 years mankind has struggled against sin and its myriad consequences. To this day, war mars the very land where Jesus was born, carried out his ministry, endured his crucifixion and gloriously rose from the dead.

In our own state, we continue to struggle against forces that seek to destroy innocent unborn babies, confuse children about their biological sexuality, erode the rights of parents, undermine religious liberties and destroy the nuclear family – the bedrock of any flourishing society.

In truth, it can only be found in a profound surrender to the Creator of the Universe – total abandonment to God, who is Love Himself.

The peace he brings cannot be extinguished by sickness, old age, the loss of our beloved, or godless rulers and tyrannical governments. These dark clouds are pierced by the peace of Christ, which echoes in the hearts of men.

We still suffer, but not without the greatest hope, which kindles acts of heroic love, sacrifice and generosity that have often left this wounded world in awe.

With this in mind, let us fill our churches, raise our voices, ring the bells and continue to affirm that an unmatched peace has indeed entered the world through the birth of a child named Jesus.

Merry Christmas, Alaska.

— Joel Davidson, editor in chief

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