The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. Shalom is used as salutation by Jewish people at meeting or parting, meaning ‘peace’. Shalom means peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquillity.
Shalom doesn’t mean ‘absence of problems’ or ‘absence of trouble’. Rather, the word refers to a sense of calmness both internally and externally, no matter what the circumstance is.
Christmas is always associated with peace as much as it is associated with love and joy. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah prophesied that Messiah would be the Prince of Peace.
And when Jesus was born, angels sang of peace. Luke 2:14 - Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Christmas, or coming of Jesus into the world, brought us peace in three ways.
1. By coming into this world, Jesus brought us peace with God.
Romans 5:1 says ‘Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Because of Adam’s sin, we naturally are not in peace with God. Our sins separate us from God. We did not have an easy access to God, the Father. But it is through Jesus’ death on the cross and our Faith in Him that we are brought into a peace relationship with the Father.
How is it possible that anyone who puts their faith in Christ can be at peace with Father? One simple answer: it is because of Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Isaiah 53:5: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Since He took away that punishment, we have peace with Father.
2. By coming into this world, Jesus brought us peace with our own self.
Though peace is a Christmas message, peace is not just limited to the Christmas season. Our inner beings constantly long for peace.
Jesus promises peace in all seasons of our life. The Prince of Peace is ready to reign all areas of our life.
In John 14:27, Jesus says: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
And Jesus also said that we can find this peace only in Him.
John 16:33 - I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. The verse continues, You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”
The peace that Jesus gives is contrasted to the problems we may have in this world. In fact, the peace that he gives is not comparable to anything.
That is why Paul writes in Fil 4:7 - and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus… The peace that God surpasses all our thoughts, our emotions and our situations
3. By coming into this world, Jesus brought us peace with others
By bringing peace with self and with God, Lord Jesus also helps us in having peaceful relationships with others.
In Romans 12:18 Paul says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
The apostle also declares how he strives to do it in Acts 24:16 - So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”
One of the many challenges we face in our life is when our relationships are broken or in chaos. And when we find it difficult to mend the broken relationship, we need the Prince of Peace to intervene and bring peace and restoration in our relationships.
Jesus came to bridge the gaps, bring people together and to restore broken relationships
As followers of Jesus, we need to live in peace with others. Colossians 3:15 says “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Let’s peace of God rule our hearts, now and forever. Shalom!
