Peace

The Hebrew word for Peace is ‘Shalom’ which appears over 250 times in the Old Testament. While the two terms are interchangeable in today's usage, the HarperCollins Bible Dictionary notes that Shalom includes not only “the lack of war or conflict” (peace), but also “wholeness and wellbeing”. Shalom then, is an ideal for our individual lives and for God’s creation at large.

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).

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? 

Adapted from Advent Peace.