World Peace?

We often hear a call for world peace, to live together in harmony. But that is not what Jesus promised:

Do you think I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! For from now on there will be five in one household divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
(Luke 12:51-53 NET)

As Christians, we will not have peace on this earth. In fact, we are promised persecution and suffering if we follow Christ.

If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you do not belong to the world, but I chose you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you.
(John 15:19 NET)

So what is the peace that the angels promised to the shepherds?

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!"
(Luke 2:14 NET)

Our peace is not with man. Our peace is with God.

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God's glory.
(Romans 5:1-2 NET)

We are to commanded throughout scripture to live at peace with all men and to strive for peace, but as long as there are those who oppose Jesus Christ, there will never be peace on this earth. True peace can only come through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Shine a light on the world and lead them to the love and forgiveness of God.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.
(Romans 12:18 NET)