We all have expectations we don’t just desire but pursue, such as hope, love, joy, and peace. The problem is that when we look for these things in the stuff of earth, we fall way short since, after all, these things can only be found in Christ. As we celebrate the Christmas – Advent season, we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s birth. Advent marks the coming of Jesus Christ into the world and His marvelous provisions of hope, love, joy, and peace.
Let’s consider peace. The world looks for peace in the absence of conflict. The problem is that such peace is fleeting at best on this side of paradise. Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Christ. Christian peace is a state of inner tranquility and harmony that results from a close relationship with God and a sense of reconciliation with Him. It often involves the absence of fear and anxiety, reflecting a trust in God’s providence and the assurance of ultimate salvation. Think about it. The peace the world offers is fleeting, while Christian peace is deep and enduring.
Peace is a biblical theme found throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, we see this prophecy from Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The phrase “Prince of Peace” is a title given to the prophesied Messiah, who is Jesus. This title signifies that Jesus brings a profound sense of peace and reconciliation. It implies that through His birth, life, and ultimately, his sacrifice and resurrection, He would establish a divine peace between humanity and God, as well as promote peace, harmony, and reconciliation among people. Isaiah 9:6 declares Christ’s role as the source of expectant peace. The point is that the peace our souls deeply desire has been provided to us by Jesus Christ.
A pronouncement of peace, coming with the birth of the coming Messiah, is also made in the Christmas account found in the New Testament. We read in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” This verse, in context, is the declaration made by a multitude of angels who appeared to shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem. It’s a message of joy and celebration, proclaiming the glory of God and the promise of peace on earth.
The angels proclaim that Jesus is the source of peace, but notice this peace is for those “whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:14 declares that the peace proclaimed by the angels is not a universal or unconditional peace for all of humanity but rather a peace connected to those who have found favor in God’s eyes through receiving Christ as Savior and Lord. In short, the peace found in Christ is for those in a right relationship with God and have accepted His grace. Here it is. The peace our souls deeply desire has been provided to us by Jesus Christ and acquired by those who have received Him as Savior and Lord.
In life and during the Advent season, various things serve as crushers of the peace of Christ. Things such as commercialism, stress, busyness, conflicts with family and friends, loss and grief, and the concerns of life all can crush the peace Jesus has provided for us. We can overcome these peace crushers by remembering the One who provides the peace. To maintain the peace of Christ during Advent, as well as all of life, it’s essential to focus on the true meaning of the season, Jesus Christ.
Paul writes in Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” The “peace of Christ rules in our hearts” when we are surrendered to Him and His will. Then, and only then, is our whole being unified in obedience to His plans for us. This work of the Spirit in our lives is made possible because of Christ’s reconciling work on the cross and by His resurrection. Therefore, the peace our souls deeply desire has been provided to us by Jesus Christ and acquired by those who have received Him as Savior and Lord and live surrendered to His will. The gospel truth is that surrendering to God is central to the Christian life and the path to expectant peace and spiritual fulfillment. How unfortunate that many times we choose to do life our own way, when all the while we’re mad at God for not providing what can only be found in Him, living His way.
I remember a Christmas many years ago when my oldest was in High School. She had a Christmas concert that conflicted with my wife Krista’s school schedule. I went alone. The Christmas season is always hectic, but I remember this especially being so. I entered the auditorium, which was full of the clamor of people. Then, the lights went down. To my pleasure, the choir began to sing Christmas music, many pointing to Christ. I could feel the baggage I carried in piece by piece being taken off me. When the concert was over, I had been realigned and filled with the peace of Christ. I share this with you because, amid the holiday rush, we can find profound peace in the Lord. But, we must take time to intentionally recognize Christ’s enduring presence and the peace He offers. We can take refuge and find peace even when life gets hectic. This Christmas may be filled with all kinds of peace crushers, but in Christ, we can discover the peace that’s provided through Him.
The expectant peace of Christ is possible to have this Christmas season. The sense of calm and hope, eagerly anticipated, can be received as we receive Christ as Savior and Lord, surrendering ourselves to him. We are blessed to receive the peace of Christ. Christ’s peace is the assurance that, despite life’s chaos, the birth of Jesus, His life, death, and resurrection have brought a lasting, inner peace. As we await His return, when He will bring us with Him to paradise, we can find our expectant peace by trusting in His love and promises today, letting go of worries, and focusing on the hope, love, joy, and, yes, peace He brings to our lives. Soli Deo (Glory to God Alone)!