If you’ve
been in church circles for a while, you would have heard Isaiah’s prophecy
about the Christ child many times.
‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ (Isaiah 9:6)
The word
translated as ‘peace’ in Isaiah 9:6 is ‘shalom’. Jewish people often use it as a
greeting, but it has a broader meaning of ‘peace, completeness, welfare, well-being
and prosperity’. A real blessing.
Yet many aren’t at peace this Christmas. The war is still going on in Ukraine and there are numerous hotspots around the world where violence and death are daily occurrences. Closer to home, we have just experienced our greatest terrorist attack on Australian soil, with the horrendous mass shootings during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Many also experience a lack of peace in their relationships with family, friends and colleagues; while others struggle with internal peace.
Has the Prince of Peace forgotten us? Is He powerless to stop the evil in the world and soothe our souls?
A resounding, ‘No’!
He has already won the battle over the powers of darkness and He is still active in our world. He still longs for us to experience His shalom.
Peace with God
First and foremost, Jesus came into the world to seek and save the lost. We were far away from God, but Jesus died in our place as a sacrifice for our sins. If we put our trust in Him, we have peace with God and a new life through Him now and in eternity.
Peace in the World
Not many of us are in a position to directly affect world politics or engage in peace talks with feuding nations. However, we have God’s promise that one day there will be peace. In the Good News translation of the Bible, the section from verses 1 to 9 of Isaiah 11 has the subheading ‘The Peaceful Kingdom’. Jesus ‘will rule His people with justice and integrity’, and one day even ‘wolves and sheep will live together in peace’ (verses 5-6).
Peace with Others
Jesus has also given us a blueprint for living in peace with others. Confess our sins to one another, seek forgiveness and reconciliation where possible, see others as valuable in the eyes of God and treat them accordingly, serve others’ interests rather than our own, and so much more. We often fail, and sometimes the other person won’t budge, but their reaction is between them and God. As Paul urges us in Romans 12:18: ‘If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone’.
Peace Within Ourselves
When we look at the challenges we’re facing or consider the troubles in the world around us, it’s not easy to feel at peace. But the good news is that we don’t have to face our anxieties or fears by ourselves. Jesus wants us to have peace and He has given His Holy Spirit to help us.
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).
It is not what the world views as peace. It is God’s peace—a peace that is beyond our human understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Final Thoughts
As writers, we have a unique opportunity to use our words to spread the message of peace and reconciliation that comes through our Lord Jesus Christ. You might like to pray through the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi, which reminds us that we are God's instruments; or offer God another prayer from your heart. May Jesus empower us with His Holy Spirit so we can partner with Him in bringing hope and healing to a hurting world. This Christmas, let's be channels of His peace as we celebrate the birth of our precious Saviour—the Prince of Peace.
Sources
Nola Lorraine has a passion for faith and social justice issues, and loves weaving words that inspire others with courage and hope. Her books include the inspirational historical novel Scattered, the Christian devotional book Comfort Zone, and the Christian charity anthology Glimpses of Light which she co-edited with Jeanette O’Hagan. She also has more than 150 short publications, including fiction, poetry, devotions, true stories, magazine articles and academic papers. She loves sharing the words and stories God impresses on her heart, and prays that He will use them to bless others.
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