“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)

I have two brothers, and between them and our Dad, our house in my childhood was rather rambunctious to say the least, and often full of conflict, with fighting, yelling, etc. My sweet mother suffered through all of this and begged for peace. She would have been happy if everyone just stopped yelling and fighting. However, as a mother myself, I know now that what she really longed for was not just the elimination of conflict but the restoration of love and reconciliation between all the members of her family. Maybe you can relate at some level. As a mother, I am most happy when all my children are together and truly enjoying each other. It is then that I feel whole, complete. I hope you can relate. That sense of wholeness is the essence of “shalom.”

“Shalom” is the Hebrew word for “peace,” but it means much more than the absence of conflict. It means restoration or reconciliation, completeness or wholeness. Many times in the Old Testament we have seen reference to peace treaties after a time of war. We have seen peace treaties in modern world history. Typically, there are conditions and regulations to ensure not only a ceasefire, but to instruct how to live in harmony with each other.  We know these peace treaties are legally binding, but not always long-lasting. But when Isaiah prophesied the birth of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, he revealed God’s promise of reconciliation, not primarily between people, but between people and God.

Ever since God sent Adam and Eve from the Garden, we have felt the consequence of our sin which separates us from God. It is only through the mediation of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, that we are not only spared the wrath of God but allowed back into God’s presence. It is only the sacrificial horrific death of Jesus on the cross that has gained for us the ability to rest in peace with God, eternally in His presence, whole and complete in His love. We celebrate Advent, the first coming of Jesus, because he is the Prince of Peace, our mediator to reconcile us and restore us to God’s holy eternal presence.

May you rest in His peace forever. Shalom.

“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne  and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it  with justice and righteousness  from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty  will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:7).

In Christ,

Judy