In remembrance of Advent this week, we celebrate the gift of peace. I find it altogether incredible to consider that peace came to the earth packaged in the form of a tiny baby! I say this only as infants don’t usually, if ever, enter the world peacefully, but then again, there was nothing even remotely usual about baby Jesus.

In fact, Jesus was God incarnate, deity clothed in humanity, Yahweh in the flesh! I’m not sure that any of us can adequately comprehend the magnificence of the Son of God coming to earth!

He was born a King, but apart from his parents, His miraculous advent was welcomed only by a few humble shepherds. On the night of His birth, heavenly praise filled the skies as angelic messengers heralded His arrival…

Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased
Luke 2:14 (NLT)

Fulfilling the word of the prophet Isaiah spoken 700 years before his birth…

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: 

                          Wonderful Counselor,

                                                          Mighty God,  

                                                                             Everlasting Father,  

                                                                                                         Prince of Peace

                                                                                                                                 Isaiah 9:6

Prince of Peace is but one of the many beautiful names of Jesus that we celebrate, especially during the Christmas season. We recite these verses in scripture, write these words in cards, and sing these lyrics in worship, but I wonder if we truly comprehend the significance of this reality.

As children of God, we’ve been graciously given the gift of peace. This means because Jesus lives inside of us we have peace at all times. That being said, we also live in a chaotic world where confusion and darkness reign. In addition, trials and challenges are a part of life on earth.

So how do we appropriately reconcile the revelation of Jesus as the Prince of Peace with the reality of our present circumstances? This is a legitimate question that everyone will wrestle with at some time in his or her life, and is also one that is addressed in scripture.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus spent intentional time serving, teaching, and preparing His disciples for His soon departure. Fully aware that life would be incredibly difficult in His absence, He left His followers with a priceless gift.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 (NLT)

Jesus shared that the gift of His peace was not one that could be obtained in the world, but rather was unique to Him. This is critical in our understanding of peace, as true peace is not the absence of problems, but rather the Presence of God with us in our struggles. And this is the message of Christmas: Emmanuel has come! God is with us! We are not now, nor will we ever be alone!

Jesus never guaranteed a problem-free life for His followers, quite the contrary.  What He did promise however, was never to leave, forsake or abandon us, and He said He would be with us, even until the end of time. And it is this knowledge that is the source and foundation for our peace.

In closing, the Shalom of Yahweh cannot be personally attained, nor is it based on the world’s standards, subjective feelings, positive emotions or current circumstances. Rather the gift of God’s peace has been made available to all mankind through His Son Jesus,

The Prince of Peace.

God bless you friends. May you experience the peace of God in a new and beautiful way this Advent season!

Extend grace to others! If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes For You (www.gracenotesforyou.com) with a friend.

For Reflection

  • How would you define the peace that comes from God?
  • Why is this different from any other peace?
  • In what specific ways have you experienced God’s peace in your life?
  • How is it possible to experience peace through difficult seasons, personal trials, pain, and challenging circumstances?
  • Read Isaiah 26:3. What message does this verse relay regarding our peace level and our thought life?