The Candle of Peace

 

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8-14 ESV).

 

As we continue our look at the Season of Advent, this week, we’ll look at the second candle: the Candle of Peace. One of the hallmarks of the Christmas story is when the angels appear to the shepherds and proclaim, “Peace on earth” (v. 14). Perhaps one of the most perplexing things about this declaration from the angel is that our world has seen very little “peace” as we most often associate with that word. Our understanding of this prophecy is essential if we are to truly celebrate the birth of our Savior.

 

Remember that the Jews, particularly the zealots, wanted a rebellion. They wanted their Savior to overturn the oppressive rule of the Romans and bring about peace in a violent way. However, Jesus had something else in mind. First, he gives us inner peace. Because of his redemptive work in the cross, we have may receive salvation and be indwelled by the Holy Spirit. This grants us an inner peace (cf. John 14:27). Not only do we have the peace that comes from our assurance of salvation, but we also have the peace of mind knowing God will heal this broken world and will come again.

 

Second, we may have peace with others. We put aside our differences (cf. Galatians 3:28), especially with other believers, because we belong to the same family. The Hebrew word for peace: Shalom, goes far beyond not fighting with others or peace as we know it. I remember reading a wonderful little book, Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be, where the author pointed out that shalom is, in essence, how things are meant to be: a slice of heaven. The peace of God allows us to look at others through heaven’s eyes and help guide the world to see God’s here and not-yet here kingdom. Thus, peace from God, biblical peace, allows us to trust in God’s promises through restful, tranquil faith, despite the dark, terrifying world around us. As you light this second candle think of that great truth… “Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men.”