Advent - Let Peace Reign In Your Heart
by Helen Burns
‘Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ (Luke 2:13-14 NIV)
I can distinctly remember the wonder I felt every Christmas Eve when these words were read, recited, and sung during the Christmas pageants of my early childhood. It was as though the world stopped for a moment as together, we pondered the miracle of Jesus’ arrival and celebrated the great news that peace had come into the world.
Even as I write these words, I am compelled again to ponder with awe and wonder this glorious promise that the world received as Isaiah’s prophecy came to pass; ‘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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.’ (Isaiah 9:6-7a NIV)
How we still long for that feeling where all is right with the world, and yet it seems like peace on earth is still such a long way off. At this very time in history there is so much unrest as wars are raging - the world feels darker than ever with sin and injustice. We are more desperate for peace than ever.
This most wonderful news that the angels sang so long ago remains true, but it will never be achieved through worldly systems or governments. If peace is what your heart is longing for, it is a person you are seeking. Peace has a name, and His name is Jesus. He, himself is our peace. The government is on His shoulders, and He wears both the badge and the burden of it, not me. My role is to surrender and let His rule have dominion in my heart. My trust and obedience requires me to allow my Saviour King to rule – this is an accurate marker of my faith in Him.
Jesus is our shalom. The Hebrew word shalom is full of strength and beauty. It is defined as completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony... the absence of agitation or discord - nothing broken and nothing missing. WOW – how I need the shalom of God every day!
Years ago, I came upon teaching from theologian Neil Plantinga about shalom and the words he used to describe it continue to give me great joy and expectation in the promise of Jesus, our Prince of Peace. It speaks to my heart once again as I read it:
'In a world where shalom prevailed, all marriages would be healthy, and all children would be safe. Those who have too much would give to those who have too little. Israeli and Palestinian children would play together on the West Bank; their parents would build homes for one another. In offices and corporate boardrooms, executives would secretly scheme to help their colleagues succeed; they would complement them behind their backs. Tabloids would be filled with accounts of courage and moral beauty. Talk shows would feature mothers and daughters who love each other deeply… disagreements would be settled with grace and civility. There would still be lawyers, perhaps, but they would have really useful jobs like delivering pizza, which would be non-fat and low in cholesterol. Doors would have no locks; cars would have no alarms. Schools would no longer need police presence or even hall monitors; students and teachers and janitors would honour and value one another’s work. At recess, every kid would get picked for a team.
Churches would never split. People would be neither bored nor hurried. No father would ever again say, “I’m too busy,” to a disappointed child. Our national sleep deficit would be paid off. Starbucks would still exist but would sell only decaf.'
I wonder what is ruling in your heart and mind today. Have you allowed Jesus, the Prince of Peace to take over the government of your life? You can trust Him to carry you and all that concerns you.
Jesus, we come to you today and invite your holy presence and abiding peace to rule in our hearts, our bodies, and minds. Today, we surrender to you everything that is causing us stress, grief, and sorrow in our lives.
