"Shalom"

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, and harmony with God, others, and ourselves. It’s the way things were always meant to be, a life lived in right relationship with our God.

We long for shalom because we live in a world of brokenness. Division, fear, and chaos surround us. Our hearts ache for rest from the pressures of life, healing from wounds, and reconciliation in strained relationships. But true peace cannot come from human efforts. It comes only through Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Christmas is the declaration that peace has come. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the angels announced, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). His arrival signaled God’s plan to restore shalom to the world. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brought reconciliation between humanity and God, healing the brokenness caused by sin and seperation.
 
Christmas reminds us that God sent His Son to restore the relationship broken by sin. Jesus’ birth is the beginning of our redemption and peace with God. The story of Christmas brings hope and joy, quieting our fears and filling us with the assurance of God’s love. The humility of Jesus’ birth inspires us to lay aside pride, forgive others, and live as agents of peace.

Have you accepted the peace that comes through Jesus?
Ask God to show you areas in your life where you can extend peace to others. Whether it’s forgiveness, kindness, or a simple gesture of love, take steps toward reconciliation. In the busyness of the season, pause to reflect on the message of Christmas. Let the story of Jesus’ birth fill your heart with peace and gratitude.

Prince of Peace, thank You for coming to bring shalom into our broken world. Thank You for making a way for us to be at peace with God and with one another. This Christmas, fill our hearts with Your perfect peace. Help us to trust You in the midst of life’s challenges and to share Your peace with those around us.

May we walk in the fullness of shalom as we celebrate Your birth. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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