Many of us wonder where the “peace on earth” is that we often talk about at Christmastime. A quick glance around will remind us that we live in a far from perfect world.
We fight for peace with ourselves. We regret past mistakes, struggle with our present weaknesses, and worry about the future. We try to “find ourselves” in different ways and search for our purpose in life through relationships, work, leisure, and travel pursuits.
We long for peace in our relationships with others. Some search for the perfect person to date. Sometimes we avoid conflict and run the other way in fear of doing something we’ll regret. Other times we take for granted those closest to us or become frustrated over the mistakes of others.
We struggle with the uncertainty of tomorrow and the turmoil going on in the world around us. World news brings few positive reports, if any. We wonder if “peace on earth” is even a possibility.
Jesus came to earth in a peaceful way as a baby in a humble circumstance of a manger. He came to live a humble life and restore our broken relationship with God so that we could first experience wholeness and peace with ourselves, and then extend it to others around us. By his power and forgiveness, his Spirit enables us to truly realize and experience peace.
Through a personal relationship with Jesus:
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We find peace with God. He came to live life perfectly and died in our place to pay the consequence for our sin. His death made peace between our sinful nature and God’s holy nature. His coming back to life gives us hope of living in peace with God.
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We find wholeness and peace with ourselves. Our esteem is based on what God thinks of us — something that never changes — instead of on the fluctuating foundations of others’ opinions, fleeting accomplishments, or changing circumstances. Our identity is based on who God has made us to be, not on the things that we do.
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We find wholeness and peace in our relationship with others because we begin to change and see people through God’s eyes. We remember that God first loved us, and we grow in wanting to extend love to others.
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We can bring healing and wholeness to others around us, in our communities, cities, and the world we live in. We begin to see hope for change in others and the world around us.
A relationship with Jesus does not mean a life free of conflict, but he offers a promise of hope of something better to come, and a power to bring some of that better world here and now. He offers a strength to persevere until that time a new world comes.
“Shalom” is a Hebrew word that signifies “peace” or “more than well.” Jesus was the perfect example of “shalom” lived out. He demonstrated the kind of peace we all long for.
May we live in anticipation of the day when God makes things whole again. Shalom.
Lord Jesus, I need you and the peace you offer. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen.
Consider This: When you hear about peace this Christmas season, even in the lyrics “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled,” from a popular Christmas carol, reflect on what peace really means. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you a clear a picture of Jesus as God’s gift of peace to you.