Shalom.
If we were in ancient Israel this is how we would greet one another. It is how we would extend a warm welcome to each other, our neighbors, our family, folks we run into around town - “Shalom.” Interestingly enough, “shalom” is the Hebrew word for “peace” meaning, complete or whole. Therefore we are not merely greeting one another with affection and good will, rather we are offering restoration in peace.
Much of our world today begs the opposite. Nothing about recent days echo any sentiment of “Shalom.” This year alone has riddled us with anxiety, unrest, discord, conflict, and disagreement. It feels like a dark cloud looming over our heads while we wait for the other shoe to drop.
However, there is good news this Christmas season. Shalom, or peace, does not only refer to the absence of conflict, but the presence of something else. The presence of One that restores to wholeness.
Read Isaiah 9:5-7. Now, read it again. What does the last part of verse 6 and first part of verse 7 say? “His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.”
The birth of Jesus Christ was providing the presence of “something else” that was required to achieve Shalom. But He didn’t merely provide peace, Scripture says that His Name is Peace. He is peace, and it’s what He gives to us (John 14:27). Which means, if we are in Christ, we are a people of peace.
In a divisive culture during this Christmas season, may we be known for taking what is broken and restoring it to wholeness; participating in the life of Jesus who, “reconciled to himself all things...making peace by the blood of the cross” (Colossians 1:20). It is only through the Person of Jesus Christ that we can accomplish Shalom - He established peace on earth beginning with His birth, carried out through His life, settled by His death, and secured in His resurrection.
Jesus established peace on earth beginning with His birth, carried out through His life, settled by His death, and secured in His resurrection.
There is no better time to assume the posture of peace than in 2020. This doesn’t mean that we deny or dismiss disagreement or conflict. We don’t compromise truth for harmony. But we model after Jesus, and restore what is broken to wholeness.
Shalom.
Reflect:
1. Where are you needing peace to dwell with you?
2. Does it comfort you to know that peace is not only a feeling, but a Person?
3. Encourage one friend today, through text, note, or phone call, with a word of peace.
Week Two: Joy is part of a five-week women’s devotion series written by leaders of Crossroads Women’s Ministry. To find out more about this ministry, visit crossroadsonline.org/womens-ministry.