More than 45 years ago, my father was wounded while fighting in World War II, a conflict that claimed at least 35 million lives. Millions of other people around the world carry with them the lifelong, tragic consequences of international conflict.

Each family that remembers a lost son or daughter, the casualty of war, and each veteran who must live with the physical and emotional scars of battle is a testament to mankind’s failure to achieve a lasting peace on earth (Lk. 2:14). What went wrong? Why are we still seeing bombings and shootings and destruction of nations?

The men and women who fought for their country are to be honored with gratitude. We must also remember that any peace secured by guns can never be permanent. That can only come when the Prince of Peace rules the nations. But He must be enthroned in our heart now. He brings us an inner peace that comes from trust in God through Christ. It is a peace with God—something that even those who have faced the terrors of war can experience.

One day when Christ returns, there will be worldwide peace. But for now, peace on earth comes to one person at a time. Do you have that peace?

  — Dave Branon