Peace on Earth
In Luke 2:14 an angel army appeared to shepherds, announcing the birth of Jesus while singing, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.” Take note that these angelic hosts declared that “peace” came to earth to dwell among us. Peace is a person, and his name is Jesus.
There are many names for Jesus throughout Scripture, but this year, perhaps more than ever, I am meditating on how our Savior is known as the Prince of Peace. The word for peace in the Old Testament is Shalom. It means to make whole or perfect. Shalom could be used to describe a strong wall with no gaps or a smooth stone altar with no cracks or deformities.
In daily life, we tend to think that peace simply means a lack of conflict, stress or chaos. If that is the case, do we truly take time to enjoy this Christmas season in a spirit of peace? If we look to what the Bible defines as peace, we will discover it is Jesus, sent to earth to reconcile us to God…to make us complete and whole. His birth was just the beginning of our salvation. There would come a day when He was would die for us and rise again, so that we could be called the righteousness of God. This message, we know as the Gospel, reveals a whole new definition of PEACE.
To be made complete and whole through Christ applies to every area of our lives: mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Jesus came to earth to renew our minds, to bind up the broken-hearted, to set captives free, to heal all of our diseases and to give us eternal life with our Father in Heaven. It is only when we learn to live our lives fully in Christ, that we experience the peace of God.
I encourage you to set aside some time of reflection with this revelation, Jesus as the Prince of Peace, He who establishes Shalom (wholeness and perfection) in God’s people. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to live with a peace-centered mindset, to experience a life free from fear and worry. In John 14, Jesus explains to his disciples that when He leaves, He will send them a Helper, the Holy Spirit. And then He says, “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” John 14:27
The world, and all it has to offer, cannot bring you the peace your soul desires, only a Savior can do that. Jesus is all that you need to become perfect and whole.
“For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. “ Isaiah 9:6
May you be transformed by the awe and wonder of the Prince of Peace this Christmas.
With love,
Dr. Jessica Stone
