Reality Check
Since the birth of Jesus in 5 B.C. our planet has only experienced the briefest periods of peace. Six out of the top ten bloodiest conflicts in human history have occurred since 1800 A.D. The twentieth century's two world wars, for example, caused the death of at least 100 million people (Wikipedia article on War).
One of the striking ironies of history is that while humans long to live in peace with each other they ultimately plan and prepare for the next conflict. Through the eyes of a Biblical cynic, the angelic proclamation recorded in Luke 2:14 when Jesus was born seems to be nothing more than wishful thinking.
What Did Jesus Teach?
Incredibly, Jesus never taught that his birth, ministry, or sacrifice would bring immediate peace to the globe. He, on the contrary, revealed the exact opposite! Jesus taught his disciples, just before John the Baptist was beheaded, the following startling fact.
Do not think that I have come to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
For I have come to set a man at variance against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s enemies shall be those of his own household (Matthew 10:34 - 36, HBFV throughout).
Jesus, several months later, felt it necessary to correct any misconceptions his disciples might entertain about the goals of his ministry. Speaking less than six months before his crucifixion he stated the following.
Do you think that I came to bring peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; Because from this time forward there shall be five in one house divided, three against two and two against three.
Father shall be divided against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother (Luke 12:51 - 53).
What Must Come First
The peace desperately sought after by the world will not come until after warring humans bring the planet to the precipice of destruction. Those on the earth must first endure an unprecedented time of conflicts, wars, trials and sufferings before they are given by Jesus what they long for (Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21).
For you yourselves understand perfectly that the day of the Lord will come exactly as a thief comes by night.
For when they say, "Peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as travail comes upon a woman who is with child; and they shall by no means escape (1Thessalonians 5:2 - 3).
And if those days were not limited, there would no flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days shall be limited (Matthew 24:22).
The Arrival of the Kingdom
Jesus' Second Coming, with his resurrected saints, takes place just before all humans are wiped from the face of the earth. They will finally bring peace through the rule of God's kingdom known as the Millennium (Revelation 20:4).
Experience It Now!
Christians need not wait until the Lord's return to know spiritual peace. Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, gave a very special gift to his disciples.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give it to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it fear (John 14:27).
All those who accept Jesus as their Savior, repent of their sins, and receive God's spirit, are granted spiritual peace as one of the many blessings of being a Christian (Romans 5:1, Philippians 4:7).