Ironically, peace is one of the four themes of Advent. It’s ironic because we all know that Christmas is one of the busiest times of year!
If you’re at all like me and my family, you have lists of all the things of Christmas: movies to watch, people to visit, foods to eat, decorations to put up, and all the other traditions that we must fit in before December 25th!
Peace, during the Christmas season, seems so far from us in our anxiety and busyness, which is why it is essential that we pause, if only for a moment, to remember that Christ came into the world through the Virgin Mary to bring peace.
But in what way does Christ’s birth bring peace into the world? Here are a few ways:
- Peace with God (Reconciliation)
- Atonement for Sin: Humanity’s rebellion against God created enmity between the Creator and His creation. Through His incarnation, Jesus came to reconcile humanity to God. By living a sinless life and dying as the perfect sacrifice, He bore the penalty for sin, satisfying divine justice and making peace possible (Romans 5:1).
- Removal of Hostility: Christ “made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20), removing the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God.
- Peace in Our Hearts (Inner Peace)
- Victory Over Fear: The incarnation demonstrates that God is not distant but near. Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23), offering His presence as a source of comfort in times of fear and uncertainty (John 14:27).
- Rest for the Soul: Through His invitation, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), Christ provides peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). His work assures believers of their eternal security in Him.
- Peace Among People (Relational Peace)
- Breaking Down Divisions: The incarnation unites people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Jesus breaks down barriers of hostility, as Paul notes: “For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14).
- Model of Forgiveness and Love: By embodying humility and sacrificial love, Jesus provides an example of how to pursue peace with others (Philippians 2:5-8). His teachings, such as the command to love one’s enemies (Matthew 5:44), foster reconciliation and unity.
- Cosmic Peace (Restoration of Creation)
- Promise of Renewal: The incarnation initiates God’s plan to redeem not only humanity but all creation. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the first steps toward the ultimate restoration of a broken world, where creation will be liberated from its bondage to decay (Romans 8:21).
- Kingdom of Peace: Jesus inaugurated a kingdom characterized by peace. His birth was heralded with the angelic proclamation, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). This kingdom will find its culmination when Christ returns to establish perfect justice and peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).
- Peace Through True Identity (Restoration of Purpose)
- God’s Image Restored in Humanity: Through His incarnation, Jesus dignifies humanity by taking on flesh, affirming the value of human life. He restores what was lost in the fall, allowing believers to reflect the image of God and live as His ambassadors of peace (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
- Access to God: Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God, giving us direct access to the Father. This relational closeness restores a sense of purpose and belonging, bringing deep peace (Hebrews 4:16).
- Peace in Suffering (Hope Amid Brokenness)
- A Savior Who Understands: By becoming fully human, Jesus experienced the trials, temptations, and sufferings of life. This makes Him a compassionate high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Knowing He understands our struggles brings peace in the midst of hardship.
- Redemptive Suffering: Jesus’ own suffering demonstrates that God can bring good out of pain, offering hope and peace to those walking through trials (Romans 8:28).
- Everlasting Peace (Eternal Hope)
- A Foretaste of Heaven: The incarnation assures believers of the future reality where God will dwell with His people in perfect peace. Revelation 21:3-4 paints a picture of a world free from tears, death, and pain, where God’s peace reigns forever.
- Certainty of Victory: Christ’s incarnation guarantees the ultimate defeat of sin, death, and Satan, ensuring eternal peace for those who belong to Him (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
There is reason to have PEACE this Christmas! This “peace” we speak about is not just the absence of strife and problems, but wholeness (Heb.shalom). Christ comes to make us WHOLE. To inherit that wholeness he’s offering, we must follow him as the Good Shepherd.
