Let There Be Peace on Earth

(Rpt entire song with different tune for the last line)

Alternate lyrics:

With God our Creator
Family all are we,
Let us walk with each other

In perfect harmony.

Or

With Earth as our Mother
Family all are we,
Let us walk with each other

In perfect harmony.

Let There Be Peace on Earth is a well-known contemporary hymn written by Jill Jackson-Miller in 1955, often paired with her husband Sy Miller in authorship credits. The hymn calls for personal and global reconciliation, emphasizing the practical outworking of God’s peace through love, forgiveness, and unity. Its universal message of hope and responsibility has made it a staple in schools, churches, and civic gatherings worldwide.

The hymn opens with a heartfelt plea for peace, connecting divine desire with human action. Matthew 5:9, which promises blessing for peacemakers, provides the biblical foundation for this call. The text emphasizes that peace begins within the individual—through attitudes of love, forgiveness, and intentional goodwill—and extends outward to family, community, and the world.

As the hymn continues, it underscores the personal responsibility of each believer in reflecting God’s peace. Romans 12:18 and James 3:18 highlight the importance of living in harmony with others and promoting righteousness in relationships. The lyrics focus on practical application, encouraging people to “let it begin with me,” making peace not an abstract ideal but a daily, intentional practice.

Musically and lyrically, the hymn is simple and memorable, designed for congregational singing, educational settings, and intergenerational worship. Its enduring appeal lies in the way it combines spiritual truth with a universal message that resonates beyond the church, inspiring acts of reconciliation, kindness, and mutual understanding.

Let There Be Peace on Earth continues to serve the church and society as both a hymn of devotion and a call to ethical living. It reminds believers that God’s peace is both a gift and a responsibility, urging them to embody the love and unity that Christ calls His followers to demonstrate in the world.