<p>Luke chapter 2 presents the opening lines of God’s peace treaty with a world that has long lived in opposition to its creator. Into the stillness of the night, God sends His messengers to announce the terms of peace that could never be earned. Drafted by the offended King Himself, this treaty is an offer of peace toward a people in rebellion. In the manger, God places His first signature on that treaty, choosing the weakness of a newborn and the humility of Bethlehem as the pathway by which the hostility would come to an end. The birth of Jesus reveals a God who steps toward His enemies with compassion, establishing peace through grace rather than force, and unveiling the depth of His reconciling love.</p><p>Now, let’s turn our attention to Pastor Brian for Article 1: The Peace Offer in our special 3-part December miniseries entitled “The Treaty of Bethlehem.”</p>