2000 years ago a group of outcast shepherds cowered on a lonely hillside, illuminated by a host of heaven that proclaimed these words. To a people oppressed, burdened, and dispirited, this must have been such a welcome word. Long they had awaited the Messiah, the Hope of Israel, their Saviour! After 400 years of God’s silence, of grief, and persecution, the angels’ announcement breathed new life into their weary hearts. Peace on earth! Could it be?
When we look at our world today, we might find ourselves in a similar state as they did that night. Asking the same question – could it be? The glittering holidays, twinkling lights, and joyous festivities somehow don’t seem to mesh with the weight of so many heavy things we carry, the images of bombed homes and war torn communities, or news headlines broadcasting a host of disturbing and anxiety inducing reports.
You might be thinking, “Peace on earth? Really? Not here!” If you are, you aren’t alone in this. Not too long ago, I was thinking much the same myself. But as I was preparing for Advent, thinking ahead to what each candle of the 4 weeks symbolizes, I recognized that my mindset was wrong. While our world, and even my own thoughts may not reflect “ peace”, that doesn’t mean that Peace hasn’t come.
Because Peace isn’t merely an absence or an end to conflict, anxiety or distress. It’s not even just a feeling of wellbeing that can be achieved through rest, retreat, or recreation.
Peace is a Person!
Jesus
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When those angels first announced that Peace had come to earth, they weren’t just saying that “a state of tranquility or quiet” (Merriam Webster dictionary) had come, but the very embodiment and incarnation of Peace. The only One able to literally be Peace and to give His peace as a gift to those who receive Him. And the Peace that Jesus gives is so much more than what the world gives.
In John 14, Jesus declared,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
The Hebrew word for Peace is “shalom” meaning “completeness, welfare, health” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary). It encapsulates the essence of wholeness, wellbeing, and restoration. Peace as the world gives is peace we must secure ourselves. Something that we work towards or achieve through whatever means we can. But when we embrace the Prince of Peace, Peace incarnate, Peace that will indwell us through the Holy Spirit – that is something else entirely!
🕊 Peace as Jesus provides is a gift given freely when we come before the Prince of Peace on bended knee, allowing Him to lift our burdens and still our hearts (Matt 11:28).
🕊 It’s peace that is a rest from cares and anxieties, it passes understanding – it does not make logical sense – and it mounts a guard over our minds and thoughts when we bring our concerns to the Lord (Phil 4:6-7) .
🕊 It’s an assurance of Christ’s Presence and Power that is not dependent on circumstances or surroundings (John 16:33).
🕊 This peace is grounded in trust and it demands the secure focusing of our minds on Christ (Isaiah 26:3-4).
🕊 Peace is not dependent on our own ability but on our surrender to and acceptance of the One Who cares for us.
As I was preparing to write this post, I was reminded of this Christmas carol. When I went to look it up, I found these lyrics with the accompanying note:
I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day
By: Henry W. Longfellow
1 I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace of earth, good will to men.2 I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.3 And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”4 Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”5 Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
“The inspiration for this hymn, like Horatio Spafford’s “It is Well With my Soul,” came out of tragedy and remorse. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, having an injured son and a dead wife, wrote his poem “Christmas Bells” on Christmas Day. The third verse…shows the depth of despair Longfellow experienced. The fourth verse shows the faith and hope in God that Longfellow had in the face of despair.”(source)
Peace despite the circumstances.
Maybe you are in desperate need of peace right now. Our world certainly is. But the Good News is that we do not need to wait for peace. Peace has already come to us!
As we draw closer to Christmas and this year draws to a close, let’s take a moment to pause. To peer into the manger and be in awe. To still our hearts and focus our minds on Christ – our Peace personified – and release our burdens and our cares into His Hands. Let’s bask in His Presence, inhale rest and exhale in surrender to the gift of restoration that He gives.
And then let us share Peace with a world that craves Him! Let’s be the light in the darkness. So that like the shepherds on the hillside who proclaimed His coming that very first Christmas, others too can celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace and experience His rest.
May you experience Shalom as you draw near to Jesus this season and may He strengthen your heart. 🕊
Of Shattered Things 