Christmas Is The Season Of Peace
Advent blessings to you and yours. Advent is the four-week season leading up to Christmas Day that is celebrated in many Christian churches. The word ‘advent’ means coming or arrival. Throughout this season of holy-days, we await the coming of Christ.
This season also brings a joyful whirlwind of twinkling lights, festive carols, and lovingly selected gifts. Sometimes, this season of holy anticipation can be overshadowed by the stress of travel, shopping, and navigating family expectations. Yet, at the heart of the Christmas story lies a promise of peace so profound it can transform not just a season, but a life. This is not the temporary absence of conflict, but the abiding shalom—the deep, spiritual well-being— that the birth of Jesus Christ made known.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, an angel appeared to the shepherds and delivered a message that still echoes with urgency and hope: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors” (Luke 2:14, NRSV).
This wasn’t a political proclamation guaranteeing the end of all global wars (though we certainly pray for that). This was the announcement of reconciliation. For centuries, humanity had been separated from God by brokenness and sin. Jesus was born to bridge that chasm, offering a path to restore the most essential relationship of all.
As the apostle Paul later wrote, Jesus “is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). His very presence and eventual sacrifice make it possible for individuals to find peace with God.
The world offers many substitutes for peace: a spa day, a temporary truce. But these external circumstances are fragile and dependent on things we cannot control. The peace Jesus offers is eternal and resilient. It is a gift given through faith, independent of outward circumstances.
Jesus told his followers, “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, NRSV) The peace of Christ provides peace in the midst of shame, knowing that your sins are forgiven and nothing can separate you from God’s great love. It provides peace in the midst of fear, trusting that God will never leave you or forsake you. It provides peace in the midst of suffering, knowing that God can handle our sorrow, doubt, and despair.
The peace of Christ acknowledges the challenges, struggles and hardships of our human existence and responds with abiding shalom— the deep, spiritual well-being—that the birth of Jesus Christ brought to life. To receive this peace, we are invited to stop striving and simply receive the gift of Jesus.
This Christmas, may the peace of Christ dwell in you richly.
May the Christ Child find ample room to manger in your heart.