Jesus came to bring the peace of Heaven to earth. Wherever Jesus went during His time on earth, beginning with His first moments in that stable in Bethlehem, He brought the peace of Heaven with Him. On this second Sunday of Advent, we meditate on and give thanks for the gift of peace.

Peace with God

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and goodwill toward men.” ~ Luke 2:14

The Israelites waited for centuries for the Messiah to come. The desolation of a ruined kingdom and ruined relationship with God was such that the last 400 years of waiting were years of silence from God. Then in God’s perfect timing and mercy, God put His plan of redemption into action. The angels’ message, “… and goodwill toward men” was announcing that God was extending His arm from Heaven down to us to bridge the gap and make peace between God and mankind.

Jesus is that bridge.

He came to teach, model, and proclaim the Word of God, showing us the love and mercy of His Father.  He willingly gave up His life on the cross, and then was raised to life again just as the prophecies foretold, in order to make a path of salvation for those who believe on Him.

In John 10:10, Jesus said,

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Surrendering our life to Jesus destroys the hold that sin has on us and puts us in right relationship with God, and now being at peace with God, we can live the abundant life.

Shalom is the Hebrew word meaning God’s gift of peace, and that’s the word that the shepherds would have heard in the announcement from the angels. Our translation of shalom to “peace” is much too wimpy and vapid, causing us to miss the fullness, the abundance in the message.

Shalom is more than one idea. Shalom embodies completeness, wholeness, health, peace, safety, soundness of mind, tranquility, prosperity, perfection, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. It encompasses the idea of putting back together that which was broken and putting it to rights regarding relationships and lives.

Jesus came so that we could live an abundant life in peaceful fellowship with God.

Peace with Ourselves

Luke 7:50-

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” 

When we have faith to believe that Jesus is who He said He is, and we accept Him as our savior, we can now make peace with ourselves, seeing ourselves the way God sees us. The fact that we know we belong to God gives us peace that no person or no circumstance can take from us. As we live as his child and ambassador, both the peace with God and the peace of God goes with us.  Shalom peace gives us  confidence in knowing who we are and knowing our purpose.

Luke 1:78-79

“Because the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Holy Spirit will guide us through difficult and terrifying circumstances step by step. God knows the way and He goes before us. We make peace with our life circumstances because we know who is in control. Shalom peace gives us courage because we know it is God who guides us and walks with us through difficult places.

Romans 12:2

 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” 

As we grow in our faith and follow His example, we become more like Jesus. We learn to love others unconditionally and forgive those who have wronged us. Luke 6:27-28

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Because we are becoming more like Jesus, we make peace with those around us, loving them and forgiving them, even when they choose to hate us. Shalom peace includes freedom because we are not controlled by the hate or opinion of others.

Mark 5:34- Jesus said to her,

“Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

2 Corinthians 1:3,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”

There is no place for suffering in Heaven; suffering belongs to the earthly realm. Even Jesus suffered while he was here, and especially at the cross. Some things are beyond our understanding regarding horrible diseases like cancer and traumatic events. Sometimes He heals us, and sometimes He does not. Sometimes He removes us from a trying situation, and sometimes He does not. Only God knows the superior choice that will accomplish His perfect will, but we do know that God promises that if we abandon ourselves and come into His presence, we will be comforted. He is our Comforter and Constant Companion. Shalom peace includes comfort as our suffering is overshadowed by the joy of His presence. 

Hebrews 12:11,

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” 

Because we are human, even though we are striving to become like Jesus, we still make mistakes that require the Father’s loving discipline.  This is good news because those who are willing to receive correction and respond in obedience are rewarded with peace. Shalom peace provides contentment in obedience and humility.

As Jesus’ time on earth was growing short, he said this to his disciples in John 16:33,

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

The fact that we will have trouble and sorrow is something we understand. But to those who accept His offer of reconciliation, we are  encouraged because He has overcome the world!  The peace of shalom includes hope, because we know that God will give us the victory.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of this season or your current life circumstances, Jesus invites you to come to Him. Just as Jesus came to bring new life to those Israelites living in dark desperation, even now He continues to stretch His arms out to all who are weary, brokenhearted, physically or financially struggling, the worriers, and the lonely. He wants to heal your wounds and make you whole. Today is the day of salvation.

Jesus says, “…in Me you may have peace.”  

With Jesus we have peace with God, when we submit ourselves to Him.

With Jesus we have peace with ourselves because we see and understand who we are in Christ and God’s purpose for our life.

With Jesus we make peace with life, with all its trials and hardships, because we know God is in control and where we will spend eternity.

With Jesus we live in peace with others as we love them unconditionally like He does.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

“Now may the Lord Himself give you His peace at all times, and in every situation.  The Lord be with you all.”