Peace

By Cathy Ramsey

 

“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPH4LRASWbo&feature=youtu.be

On the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem:

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

                                                                                                            (Luke 2:8-14, KJV).

From Robin Basselin, ReFrame Media blog:

On the second Sunday of Advent, many churches will light the second candle in the traditional Advent wreath. This blue or purple candle symbolizes peace. Believers will also read and reflect on scriptures about the peace God promised and ushered in during the first advent of Jesus (his birth), and the cosmic peace that will be consummated by Christ’s second coming. Let us look more closely at the meaning of Advent peace.

You likely already know the Hebrew word for peace: shalom. The word shalom occurs over 250 times in the Old Testament and over the centuries religious scholars have spilled plenty of ink reflecting on its complex meaning and use. Today, the term shalom has become so commonplace that people often use it interchangeably with the English word peace: on protest signs, in sitcom banter, or even on kitschy home decor (e.g., “Shalom y’all!”).

However, in English, the word peace tends to mean something like “the lack of war or conflict.” And while the biblical concept of shalom encompasses this sort of peace, it is only a part of what God promised his people in the days before the first advent of Jesus Christ. As noted in the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary, shalom includes peace, but also “wholeness, and well-being.” Shalom is the ideal—for our individual lives and for that of God’s creation at large; it’s a return to God’s original creation, before it was marred by humanity’s sin.

Throughout the Old Testament, God unfolds his plan for re-establishing his shalom on Earth. Through the line of Abraham, God tells his people that they will bless all of humanity. He made “a covenant of peace” with them (Ezekiel 34: 24-25a) and promised to restore all things by sending a Savior. This promised Messiah would be “... called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7). He himself would be our peace (Micah 5:5). We know that Christ came to usher in a new era, and that by dying in our place, we can by faith “have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Today, we take refuge in Jesus Christ’s words: “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). Through God’s Holy Spirit we experience this peace, which transcends all understanding and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). But God does not mean for us to just sit back and indulge in this peace. He calls us to work along with the Spirit to restore God’s shalom here on Earth (Matthew 5:9).

And so, as we reflect on God’s peace this Advent season, may we be reminded of our role: to actively make peace as we await the fullness of God’s shalom through the second Advent of Jesus Christ. How can you help usher in God’s peace this Christmas season? Some ideas might be to set aside extra time for personal devotions, help a busy or overburdened friend, or provide a meal for a family facing the anxiety of hunger. Advent is the perfect time to commit to pursuing peace in your life and that of the greater world as we look ahead to the time of shalom.

From Mark D. Roberts, Seeking the Peace of Christ: Christianity and Peacemaking:

Christ came to bring more expansive and inclusive peace. His mission was to establish the shalom of God. This is more than inner peace. It is more than the cessation of war. It is even more than reconciliation between us and God. The peace of Christ includes all of these and more. It envisions a cosmos governed by God in which all relationships are fully loving and just; not judgmental or unkind. This shalom is centered in a right relationship with God, and it touches everything else in life.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we enjoy the peace we have with God through Christ. And may we be given a foretaste of the peace on earth that is yet to come.

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: In what parts of your life and work would you like to experience God’s peace today?

PRAYER: 

All praise be to you, O God, because you have come to give us your peace.

All praise be to you, O God, because you have opened up the way for me to experience peace with you.

All praise be to you, O God, because you give me peace when my heart is troubled.

All praise be to you, O God, because you are in the process of establishing your peace on earth.

May the celebration of the angels fill our hearts today:

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Amen.

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The LORD bless thee, and keep thee; The LORD make His face shine upon thee, And be gracious unto thee; The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, And give thee peace.’” (Numbers 6:24-26, KJV)