The Expectation of Peace

Today we are talking about the expectation of peace that comes at the birth of Christ. The world that Jesus entered was filled with hatred and divisions, and on that incredible day was born the one that would bring peace, the Prince of Peace Himself. Let’s have a look at some of the promises of peace that the birth of Jesus fulfilled, that show we can have peace with God, peace in our hearts and bring peace to those around us.

From the promises in the Old Testament, the Jews were eagerly awaiting the Messiah who would be their Prince of Peace. The promise of one who will bring peace is a promise seen throughout the Old Testament. And that peace can only come from God.

The angels, when they proclaimed to the shepherds that the Messiah has come in the form of a baby; the shepherds, who also witnessed a heavenly host appear praising God and saying,

'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!' - Luke 2:14

The shepherds, who were the lowly in society of the day, received this announcement of the Messiah as a message of peace in the land for all layers of society - that the Messiah is for all people!

Not only do we have peace among people through Jesus, we also have peace with God. The book of Romans tells us,

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1

This is the incredible gift of the birth of Jesus that we recognise at Christmas time, that through him we now experience reconciliation with God and peace with God. No longer separated, or reliant on the high priest to offer sacrifices to make us right with God. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, has brought us close with God by becoming flesh and taking upon himself the cost of sin that separates.

Because of this, we are now able to live our lives in peace as we live our lives in union with Christ Jesus. Ephesians tells us,

But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. - Ephesians 2:13

Peace is a fruit of the spirit as written in Galatians 5. Therefore, not only are we able to experience peace in our lives, we are able to bring peace wherever we go as people who live by the spirit; the book of Ephesians even says that our feet are fitted with the gospel of peace!

Prayer Point:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your peace. We acknowledge that things around us may not always be how we would hope, but we turn our hope to you, knowing that you bring peace to us, wherever we are. Amen.