The answer is: False

The angel said "on earth peace, goodwill toward men". The word 'peace' from a biblical sense does not mean the absence of war or strife between people, but rather a 'peace with God', a peace that Jesus was to make with God at his sacrifice. Goodwill looks back to the Hebrew ratzah , which is often associated with acceptable sacrifice, thus 'goodwill toward men' means reconciliation through the greatest of all Days of Atonement - Jesus' sacrifice. The alternative textual reading of: 'to men of goodwill', means the same thing: 'peace to men who know themselves reconciled to God through Jesus'. (Luke 2 v 14)

The herald of the angels, who proclaimed "on earth peace, goodwill toward men," ushered in a profound shift in humanity’s relationship with the divine. This proclamation reflects the core message of hope and reconciliation, making the themes of peace and goodwill central during this festive season.

Interestingly, this phrase echoes earlier biblical texts. For instance, in the Hebrew Scriptures, peace (or "shalom") encompasses more than a mere lack of conflict; it conveys wholeness, completeness, and harmony. Shalom encompasses social justice, individual well-being, and deep spiritual contentment. The New Testament amplifies this sentiment, especially through the teachings of Jesus, showcasing how establishing peace with God leads to a broader atmosphere of love and compassion among humanity.

Historically, many cultures have celebrated some form of a winter festival, pointing to humanity's age-old yearning for light and warmth in the darkest season. In fact, several scholars draw parallels between these ancient festivals and the Christmas celebration we know today. The point about “goodwill” harkens back to the practice that sacrifices bring favor not just from God, but compel us to extend kindness—both to ourselves and to others.

So, when you consider the angelic message, it’s much more than a lovely sentiment fit for holiday cards. It encapsulates humanity’s shared aspiration for deeper spiritual connections and invites everyone to take a journey toward inner and outer peace, especially during this joyful but often hectic season.