The Birth of Peace!

Hennie Symington

                How wonderful it is to see

                a messenger coming across the mountains,

                bringing good news, the news of peace!

            He announces victory and says to Zion,

            Your God is king!” Isaiah 52:7

The Hebrew word for peace shalom has a much richer meaning than the English word for “peace.” It’s far more than just the absence of conflict. Shalom comprises the concept of wholeness, goodness and prosperity. In the Old Testament, peace is also inseparable from righteousness and justice and doing morally correct deeds and living in peace and justice with others.

But once more God will send us his spirit. The waste land will become fertile, and fields will produce rich crops. Everywhere in the land righteousness and justice will be done. Because everyone will do what is right, there will be peace and security for ever. Isaiah 32:15-17.

With a similar picture in mind, the Psalmist looks forward to a time when God’s salvation pervades the nation. On that day it will be will proclaimed:

            Love and faithfulness will meet;

            righteousness and peace will embrace. Psalm 85:10

Peace will come by God’s effort. The result will be a restored relationship between God and mankind. And the Chosen One was God’s Son himself. Jesus entered the world as the one who would fulfil the mission of the Suffering Servant, thus bringing divine peace. Even before Jesus was born, one of his relatives proclaimed what God was about to do:

“Our God is merciful and tender.

He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us

            and to shine from heaven on all those who live in the dark

            shadow of death,

            to guide our steps into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

May you experience the peace of God in all its fullness during the Christmas season.

Prayer: We thank you God that you made justice, peace, righteousness, wholeness and goodness visible in your Son Jesus Christ. Empower us oh Lord to bring true peace to our piece of earth. Amen.