Peace on earth

I long for peace; not peace merely expressed as in the absence of conflict, but the peace that is described by the Hebrew word, "shalom." Shalom, translated most often as 'peace,' has a richer meaning including wholeness, completeness, prosperity, settledness of mind and heart! When the Hebrew Scripture promises us a "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9.6) - the promise is about more than a Man who will blow the whistle and make the noise stop for a while! Jesus Christ is the One who is promised to bring us 'shalom.'

What is it about humans that makes us so 'un-peaceful?' Conflict is everywhere. Nations war. Families feud. Spouses battle. Sibling spar. Even we Christians, who claim to be led by the Peace-maker, fight frightfully for foolish frivolities! Congregations are destroyed by wars of words over the tempo of the music used in worship, the color of the carpet, and such matters of eternal importance. Relationships that are supposed an expression of the bond of the Spirit die because of a moment of hasty words leading to hurt feelings.

It is the lack of internal peace that is most painful, and the cause of most of our external conflicts as well. When a man has not anchored his soul in Christ, when he has not answered, in Him, the question of why he exists and for what purpose he walks the face of the earth, living in peace is an impossible dream! This person is constantly evaluating his accomplishments, the amount of his possessions, his position in the pecking order against those of his neighbors. The inevitable result of this insecurity is envy and jealousy and from that, says James, comes 'every evil work!' (James 3.16)

Isaiah writes, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!" (Isaiah 9:6-7, NLT) What a glorious promise! But before we apply it to the nations, we need to apply to our heart!

The Messiah, God's Messenger of Peace, came to be our 'shalom.' He came to bridge the gap between the Father and us, restoring us from the dis-inherited state into which our disobedience has sold us. He came to establish the rule of the Spirit, our Mighty God, so that we would not continue as slaves of sin. He came to be our Counselor, so we could know how to live wisely and purposefully, with insight to discern the way of Truth! Yes, He is our Peace.

Are you conflicted today?
Do you want more -- respect, things, possessions, power, comfort, pleasure, control -- because you think that such things will finally let you feel 'at rest?'
Dear friend, that is a mirage! If you should get that desire, the shimmering waters that promise refreshing would still be on the horizon.

Peace, true settledness and wholeness, comes through Jesus Christ. "Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices." Yes, they chanted this birth announcement from the skies over Bethlehem - “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14, NIV)
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O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt His worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine! O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!

Truly he taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name

Fall on your knees!
Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine!
O night when Christ was born!
O night divine! O night, O night divine!