As we move deeper into the Advent season, I’ve been reflecting a lot on what it means to experience peace. Honestly, the holidays can feel anything but peaceful. Between planning events, shopping for gifts, and juggling responsibilities, it’s easy to find ourselves overwhelmed. But Advent is a time to pause, to reflect on the promise of peace brought to us through Jesus Christ. And if I’m being honest, this reflection feels deeply personal to me right now.
We all crave peace, don’t we? For some, it’s the hope of a quiet evening after the kids are in bed. For others, it’s a longing for resolution in strained relationships or relief from the chaos of our world. A quick Google search defines peace as “the absence of disturbance,” and while that sounds nice, I’ve come to realize that the peace Jesus offers goes so much deeper.
In Scripture, the word for peace is often "shalom." It’s a beautiful word that means completeness, wholeness, and well-being—not just a lack of trouble but the presence of something infinitely better. And that something is the presence of God in our lives.
But then, Jesus throws us a curveball. In Matthew 10:34, He says, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." Those words can feel jarring, especially as we light the Advent candle of peace! What Jesus is really saying, though, is that following Him may require tough decisions and even division—cutting away anything that hinders our relationship with Him. His peace is not about avoiding conflict but about aligning our hearts with His truth.
This makes me think of the angelic announcement in Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” That peace doesn’t mean a life free of trouble. Instead, it’s the assurance of God’s presence with us, even in the middle of life’s messes. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I need to hear that. Maybe you do, too.
If I’m honest, I’ve spent too much time chasing circumstantial peace—trying to organize my day just right, hoping for a conflict-free week, or longing for a moment of quiet. But peace tied to circumstances is fragile, always dependent on things going smoothly. True peace, the kind Jesus gives, is unshakeable. It’s not the absence of trouble but the presence of Jesus in our lives.
And here’s the most comforting part: peace isn’t just something Jesus gives; it’s who He is. Ephesians 2:14 says, “He Himself is our peace.” When we draw near to Him, we’re not just receiving peace; we’re encountering the Prince of Peace.
This Advent, I want to challenge myself—and invite you to join me—to stop defining peace by what’s happening around us. Instead, let’s focus on who Jesus is. What if we took a few moments each day to pray, read Scripture, or simply sit in His presence? What if we let His peace fill us, no matter what’s going on?
Here are a few questions I’m asking myself this week:
• Am I trying to create peace on my own, or am I relying on Jesus for true peace?
• How can I prioritize my relationship with Him in the middle of the holiday rush?
• What would it look like to let His peace shape the way I respond to stress or conflict?
Advent reminds us that peace has come—and His name is Jesus. Let’s make room for Him in our hearts and lives this season, trusting that His peace is enough.
May His peace be with you this week, and may it transform your heart as we prepare to celebrate His coming.
Blessings,
Pastor John Joiner
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