“Glory to God in the highest,” angels proclaimed to shepherds on the first Christmas Eve, “and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14 NKJV).
Although peace has been a goal of humankind since the devastations of World Wars I and II, our ability to find or establish peace continues to elude us. Today, war and hostilities continue in various parts of our world. True and lasting peace on every level, from international forums to nations to our personal lives, has become more difficult than ever to achieve.
In the Bible, the word “peace” means more than the absence of conflict. It means health and well-being. In the Old Testament, two Hebrew words, shalom (peace) and shalem (health or full), expressed this concept. Peace included inner (spiritual, emotional) peace, health, abundance, harmony with life on every level, even “in the midst of storm,” when problems seem to snuff out peace.
In the New Testament, the word eirene in the original Greek means “peace,” both figurative and literal, and it appears over 100 times. The expression “go in peace” means “stay warm and eat well” (James 2:16 NLT). On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus said to His disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. … Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
As in the Old Testament, peace means much more than the “absence of conflict” in society. It means an inner sense of well-being that originates with God and is given as a precious commodity to each of us who receive the “Prince of Peace,” Jesus, without whom there is no lasting peace. The peace of God, which surpasses our human understanding (Philippians 4:7), is real and present regardless of the circumstances surrounding us.
Even when the world is in turmoil, you can have peace in your heart through Jesus Christ. Even though war and chaos may rage on the outside, you can experience His peace that is not dependent on your circumstances.
Jesus is our peace. Our help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2). This Christmas, Jesus offers to every soul on earth true peace, unfailing comfort, and eternal life and love. All of these are wrapped up in His priceless gift of salvation.