Advent: Let There Be Peace
Advent: Let There Be Peace
Last week, we began our journey through the Advent season with the theme of hope. We focused on the precious reminder that we can place our hope in Christ regardless of our circumstances, because He has come and will come again.
This week, our theme is peace. The peace candle on the Advent wreath is also called the Angel’s candle because the angels proclaimed that Jesus came to bring peace to earth.
How beautiful the birth of Christ was to bring peace on earth. My friends, I cannot think of a more special time to pray for peace than today. Our nation, our world, needs peace.
“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27 AMP
Christ gives us perfect peace, not the world, not our achievements or material things, but in God the Father. His peace will calm our fears and comfort us in times of adversity.
What is peace?
The meaning of peace is described as freedom from disturbance, tranquility, a state or period in which there is no war, and freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions. Typically, when we hear the word peace, these meanings come to mind. But we also think of peace as a time of stillness and quiet, a period without conflict, war, or disagreement. Beautiful, yes? Just whispering the word peace brings comfort.
Biblically speaking, peace or shalom goes far beyond those meanings. Shalom, a Hebrew greeting, means “peace.” The word shalom (šālôm) encompasses the idea of wholeness, completeness, harmony, and well-being. It conveys the picture that everything in the world is being made right.
That is the kind of peace we all long for – wholeness and fulfillment.
What if I told you that this kind of peace, shalom, is possible? What if I told you that it has already come?
The Prince of Peace has come.
The only One who can truly bring peace is God Himself. And the reality is that He has brought peace in the form of His only Son, Jesus Christ.
In Isaiah 9:6 AMP, it was prophesied that the coming Messiah would bring peace, or shalom: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
And yet, it seems as if there is still no peace. There is no shalom. There is no wholeness, no harmony, no true well-being present on this Earth.
Jesus Himself said to His disciples that this world would not be a place of peace, but that in Him, they would have peace. They could hold on to this promise because He had overcome the world.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.” John 16:33 AMP.
What kind of peace was Jesus talking about?
Paul explains in Romans 5:1-2 that the peace Christ brings is primarily between God and us. No more do we have to face a broken relationship with God; rather, through Christ, we have access to Him.
“Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power].” Romans 5:1-2 AMP
Shalom is ultimately found in Christ. It is through Him that we become whole, complete, and can live in harmony with God and other people. And it is through the outworking of that peace in our lives that the world experiences true peace.
I pray you will find the peace you are seeking this Christmas season through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Advent Reflection
Reflect on the words of Isaiah 9:6. Spend time in prayer and reflection and invite the Prince of Peace into your heart. Allow God to restore your peace and surround you with His unconditional love this season.
Welcome Shalom, into your home this season. Faithfully seek contentment and spread peace and goodwill throughout your family and community. Encourage those around you and pray for and with them. Fill your holiday with love and acceptance.
Share the significance of Advent. What are some meaningful ways you can share the promise of peace with your family and friends?
The promise of Advent is the promise of Peace.
Let There Be Peace
Let there be peace
Peace to every nation
Let there be hope
For all the world to see
Let there be love
And joy to all the children
Let there be peace on earth
For you and me
Carrie Underwood
Shalom
