During this second week of Advent, we have been talking about peace. The reality is that we live in a broken and fallen world, so while this peace is possible in our lives, we Christians believe we will not experience ultimate peace until Jesus returns. That expectation of future peace helps us make a connection to the season of Advent, a word that speaks of arrival.
Consider the story of Jesus’ first arrival. When Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, Luke tells us that some nearby residents got quite a show:
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ 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 favor rests.’” (Lk 2:8–14, NIV)
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Jesus told his disciples in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
He said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus came to bring peace, and he is coming again. Advent reminds us that Jesus who came is coming again. So while we wait for him to bring ultimate peace, we embrace the peace that he already invites us to experience now.
We have peace with God, and through that peace, we make peace with others. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:11–22, Jesus broke down the wall separating Jews and Gentiles. The two could become one.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus taught (Matthew 5:9). He calls us to be peacemakers. Peacemakers are people who help make the two become one. Like him, we break down walls, which is hard work.
As Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” That’s real life. Peacemaking and breaking down walls can be difficult. But we embrace our calling as peacemakers.
Where are dividing walls in your life?
With whom have you allowed a wall of separation to grow between you? Perhaps you have helped build the wall? Jesus brings peace and calls us to be peacemakers like him.
The band REM sings, “If I have built the wall, then I will be the one to tear it down.” In the case of Christians, Jesus has torn down the wall, now we follow his lead. As people who have received peace, let us be people who share that peace with others.
So how do we lean into and carry the peace of Jesus? Where in your life is there “us” and “them”? Where are there In and Out groups? Maybe those groups are in your heart and mind?
Work as a peacemaker to remove those barriers, to carry the peace that Jesus brings. Christians are the people of peace, just as Jesus is the prince of peace. We bring peace between family members who are fighting. We bring peace between people who hold differing political ideologies, people who think red and people who think blue. We bring peace between those of different ethnicities. We bring peace between the generations, between the genders, between siblings.
What walls do you need to break down, peacemaker?
Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash
Engaging Scripture 