Dec 14, 2021
In a world where violence continues to be normalized, trauma is accelerating at an exponential rate, and wholeness is being co-opted by self-help gurus, we need a little peace!
No, we’re not talking about “peace and quiet” or calm. While those things are good, the Prince of Peace offers a more robust experience of peace.
Episode 208 explores four reasons “Peace is a Big Deal.”
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Peace is a big deal because it helps us face reality with calm and confidence.
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 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 9:6-7
As the prophet Isaiah talked about the promise of God, peace is the overarching message of the promised coming of Christ. Now, I imagine Mary and Joseph, just like every other parent, looking for a moment of what we might say is “peace and quiet”.
As Tim noted, “We seek the quiet moments to hold the promise of God, but it may also be in all the chaos that we are then embraced by God, even though Mary may be holding Jesus, it's God who's holding us. ”
And that leads to reason number 3 peace is a big deal.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - Luke 2:13-14
If a host of angels showed up praising God, Tim said he would be scared. Even with the good news of peace on earth. Have we distilled the story down to what we can handle?
After all, the announcement of peace on earth is the promise Jesus makes to his disciples. In John 14, shortly before he is crucified, Jesus knows his followers are scared. So, he promises them a spirit of peace. Even though he is giving them a farewell speech, he promises them “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
He doesn’t promise His disciples a peaceful, easy life when they will always relax and never experience conflict or fear. But he does promise that no matter what they face, they can face the future with courage and hope. This gives them true peace, not peace based on their situation but peace based upon the action of God they have experienced in Jesus Christ. It is the same peace proclaimed by the heavenly host. The peace that comes with Jesus.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15
We're going to tease you on this one and say, you'll have to join us on the podcast to hear the story Tim shares that highlight this fourth reason.
So, as you can tell, while we have a lot of work to do in terms of conflict, violence, and trauma, the Prince of Peace is the embodiment of peace. As you continue your journey to Christmas, may the fullness of Christ's peace meet you along the way.
Episode 206 - Advent is a Big Deal
Episode 207 - Hope is a Big Deal