Imagine the remarkable progress humanity has achieved over the past 120 years: electricity illuminating our nights, airplanes shrinking the world, and modern medicine saving countless lives. Yet, amid these achievements, a sobering truth looms: the world has rarely known peace.
Consider this: since 1900, over 250 major wars have erupted, including two global conflicts—World War I and II—that devastated nations and left millions dead. Even the so-called "peaceful" moments of the last century were interspersed with proxy wars, struggles for independence, and civil strife. Peace feels elusive, a dream too fragile for this broken world.
War is just one reflection of a world out of alignment with God’s intentions. Famine, human trafficking, abuse, addiction, and loneliness are other scars on humanity. Advent reminds us that into this fractured world, God sent His Son, Jesus—the Prince of Peace.
Biblical peace, or shalom, goes far beyond the mere absence of conflict. Rooted in the Jewish understanding of restoration, peace is about bringing wholeness and harmony to what is broken. It involves enemies not only ceasing their fighting but also reconciling and working together. This concept of peace can be seen in repairing a broken wall—returning it to its intended state. The peace Jesus brings is both the end of humanity's rebellion against God and the restoration of life to the way it was meant to be, a profound renewal of relationships and creation.
Peace in Unexpected Places
1. Peace from an Unlikely Place (Micah 5:2-5a)
The Prophet Micah foretold that the Messiah, Israel’s long-awaited deliverer, would come from Bethlehem. This small, unremarkable town echoed God’s choice of David, the shepherd-king. Bethlehem reminds us that God’s plans unfold in humility and unlikely places.
Micah also paints a vivid picture of the Messiah as the source of peace: not merely the absence of conflict, but restoration—restoring relationships, rebuilding what’s broken, and bringing life back into alignment with God’s will. This peace begins with reconciliation between God
and humanity. Through Jesus, we glimpse what life is meant to be.
2. Peace Born in Humble Circumstances (Luke 2:1-14)
The Christmas story is familiar, yet extraordinary. Jesus, the King of Kings, was born not in a palace but a stable, surrounded by animals. The world’s Savior entered humanity through the humblest means.
This humble birth was marked by an angelic announcement, declaring Jesus as the bringer of peace to the earth. His mission was twofold: to reconcile humanity with God through His death and resurrection and to spread that peace into the world.
Jesus’ followers are called to carry this peace, advocating for the vulnerable and helping those in need. Peace is not passive; it is active and transformational.
3. Peace That Surpasses Understanding (Philippians 4:6-9)
Paul’s letter to the Philippians teaches us the way to experience peace: prayer and thoughtfulness. When we pray, we trust God with our circumstances. This trust fosters unity, strengthens relationships, and provides a sense of calm assurance that God is in control.
Paul also urges us to focus on what is good, pure, and true. Meditating on God’s Word transforms our hearts, aligning our lives with His will. As we live out these truths, the “God of Peace” promises to be with us, guiding us to be peacemakers in the world.
Living in God’s Peace
Advent invites us to reflect on the prophecies and events surrounding Jesus’ first appearing as we prepare for His return. Through His humble birth in Bethlehem, Jesus became the source of peace for a broken world.
We are reminded: God’s promise of peace came through the unlikely town of Bethlehem.
Peace was born in humble circumstances, proclaimed by angels to shepherds.
As we wait for Jesus’ return, we experience peace through prayer, unity, and trust in God.
Where in your life do you need God’s peace? Ask this question in prayer, seek His guidance, and act on it. True peace—wholeness, restoration, and reconciliation—can only be found in Jesus.
Final Thought
Our world is out of alignment, pulled off its foundation by sin. Yet Jesus, the Prince of Peace, began the process of restoration with His first coming. He dealt with sin and reconciled us to God, and He will return to make all things new.
In the meantime, we live as agents of peace: forgiving, restoring, and pointing others to the hope found in Christ. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is with us. Let us bring His peace into the world.
