In general, I never hear anyone describe the earth as peaceful. Instead, when I look around, I see many searching for peace and few who actually find it.
In Jesus’ life on earth, we can also see that people were confused about the kind of peace and kingdom that Jesus was bringing on earth. Peace from overthrowing unfair rulers? Peace from obtaining political power and control? Peace from possessing great wealth? However, what we see from this passage is a great proclamation of peace surrounding not a great king on a white horse descending from the clouds, but instead, a Jewish baby boy already rejected and misplaced and lying in a manger.
I think the response of the shepherds is key for us in the Christmas season — “let’s go and see.” Regardless of our age or season of life or “expertise” on the Christmas story, let’s go and see Jesus. Being expectant of what He will show us and how he will reveal more and more of who He is and the peace that He brings us.