Peace

The theme or word for the second week of Advent is "peace," something we all say we desperately desire. Peace in the home, peace in the workplace, peace in the world...we all long for peace. But do we know what we are looking for?

Often we think of peace as "the absence of conflict." Peace, we think, is when the warring parties lay down their arms and at least agree to stop fighting. They may not like each other or even agree to cooperate. But we're glad at least that the fighting has stopped. However, the ancient Hebrew word that's often translated as "peace" is "shalom." Shalom is used as a greeting and a blessing, and it encompasses more than just the absence of conflict. It's a much broader idea than just the cessation of fighting. Shalom refers to wholeness, to life being the way God intends it to be. Shalom is the lion laying down with the lamb (see Isaiah 11:6). Shalom is people not just enduring one another but actually desiring the best for the other.

Shalom is God's best hope for our world. Shalom is what God is working toward, what God will bring to pass at the end of time, when Jesus returns. But in reality, it's already started. The age of shalom/peace began when Jesus came as a baby in Bethlehem, which is why it's one focus of Advent. The angels sang, "Peace on earth, goodwill to all!" because they knew that the baby that had been born was the prince of peace (see Isaiah 9:6).

The problem is...Jesus' people don't always cooperate. We're not always those who are promoting peace—shalom. Yes, we may believe in peace between nations, but are we working toward peace among families, peace within families, peace among friends, neighbors, relatives and even enemies? Of course, we can't do it all ourselves. It requires both parties to desire peace. As Paul wrote, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). But I often wonder if I have done all I can...

The baby of Bethlehem grew up and taught those who follow him, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9 ). Do you want to be blessed today? Do you want to be immediately recognized by others as a child of God? Be a person of shalom, peace, wholeness, healing—bring peace into your world in every way you can. Desire the best—pray for the best—even for those you consider "enemies." And then see what God will do.

What would our world be like, do you suppose, if even just those who claim the name of Jesus chose to be active peacemakers today?