Simon Cox Blog: Seeking the Peace of Christ this Christmastime

Tuesday, 25 December 2018

Seeking the Peace of Christ this Christmastime

Most of us have an idea of what peace looks like. But is that the peace that Christ promises?

When you think of peace, perhaps you think of somewhere quiet and calm, far from noise and distraction. Perhaps you imagine time with loved ones and close friends.

For me, peace is being with my family. Having everyone in the house at Christmas time is a time of joy and peace for me.

Maybe, though, your mental picture of peace is a little more detailed. Maybe you can’t help but hope for restored personal health or the restored health of a loved one. Maybe more financial security, a better family dynamic, or less violence in your community immediately come to mind.

I get it. Peace can often elude us.

But regardless of what you imagine or why, most of us can agree on this: our lives are not always peaceful, and we think we know why.

Around Christmas, ‘peace on earth,’ as the old song goes, can feel so close and yet so far from each of us. It’s as if all God had to do was move this one small obstacle or send a little bit of help and all would be well in our world.

And yet, he sent Jesus. Into this messy place with all its problems, God sent a baby.

The Prince of Peace?

Interestingly enough, amidst their own sea of questions and skepticism, the Israelite prophets of old assumed that their coming Messiah would bring peace. The prophet Isaiah foretold Christ’s coming thousands of years before the Incarnation ever took place—long before the days of Mary, Joseph, or those lowly shepherds. He writes in Isaiah 9:

“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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne ...