PEACE: What is Peace?
PEACE.
It’s raining outside my window. Kind of a dark and gloomy kind of day – with the sun hiding behind the clouds. I can hear the pitter-patter of raindrops.
It’s actually rather peace-ful.
In this, the second week of Advent, as we have done time and again over the years, we revisit the Advent theme, “PEACE”. What is “PEACE”? What does it mean? And, what does it have to do with Advent and the coming of the Christ-child? The Messiah? Jesus the Christ?
The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For unto us a Child [Jesus] is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6 NKJV.
You might recognize these words as a part of George F. Handel’s famous oratorio, the “Messiah” from where we also have his time honored, and well known, “Hallelujah Chorus”.
In this scripture, we learn Christ’s name is called, among others, the “Prince of Peace” – He is the Prince of Peace.
As prepare for the coming of the Prince of Peace during this Advent season, we have a HOPE (last week’s theme) of better things to come including peace in our world, peace with our neighbors, peace between countries. We hope for lasting peace among all people – even a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Paul and Timothy wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7.
The Greek word used for “Peace” in this verse is “Eirene” (sounds a bit like “serene”) and means, among other things, “a state of national tranquility, of the Messiah’s peace, peace, quietness, rest, peace between individuals ”. And, when I write posts and letters, I often sign off, “Peace and blessings” – wishing the reader, a sense of peace, quietness, calmness and rest within their life.
Let us take time this week to seek peace among one another, and in ourselves, as we move towards the coming of the Prince of Peace.
Yes, it’s raining outside, calm, quiet, restful, peace-ful.
Peace and blessings,
Doug