Meaning of Peace
* "Peace" is often defined as the absence of war or hostility. However, the biblical meaning of peace is broader. In the Bible, the main words used for "peace" are the Hebrew shalôm and the Greek eirene. Shalôm has the general meaning of completeness, wholeness, wellness, harmony, security or fulfillment. The New Testament uses the word eirene similarly.

* Peace is a controversial subject because of the different theories for achieving peace. However, most agree that true peace requires the presence of justice (which implies the recognition of righteousness). As the psalmist said, "righteousness and peace kiss each other" (Psalm 85:10).

"The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever" (Isaiah 32:17, NIV).

Hope for Peace
* In Lesson 1, we talked about "hope." In the Old Testament period, peace was central to Israel's hope. This hope was based on God's revelation through the prophets. For example …

"So do not fear, O Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, O Israel,' declares the LORD. 'I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid" (Jeremiah 30:10, NIV).

* We may not share ancient Israel's physical situation, but we can share their hope for peace. Do you desire peace? Do you desire shalôm?

* Isaiah spoke about the birth of a child who would be the Prince of Peace. Read Isaiah 9:6-7. This refers to the Messiah, the coming king who would establish righteousness and peace.

Advent of the Prince of Peace
* Roughly 700 years after Isaiah's prophecy, an angel appeared to a young woman named Mary. Read Luke 1:26-35. Jesus is the Messiah (Christ). Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Read Luke 2:1-14. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in a very humble setting. An angel announced his birth to shepherds living in the fields nearby (2:8).

1. Considering the great importance of the Messiah's birth, why do you think it was first announced to shepherds?

2. The good news is for "all the people" (2:10), but what about peace? Do "all the people" receive peace? If not, who receives it? (2:14).

* Peace is given to "men (and women) on whom [God's] favor rests" (2:14). This refers to those who respond to the good news according to God's grace. True peace is peace with God.

" … since we have been justified (made right with God) through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).

Way of Peace
* True peace is peace with God. However, humankind is hostile toward God. Humankind has rebelled against God, and thus deserves God's judgment. How can the Prince of Peace reconcile sinful humans to a holy and righteous God?

" … he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5, NIV).

"Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 20c-21, NIV).

"For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" (Ro. 5:10)

Realization of Peace
* True peace is realized through faith in the Prince of Peace. However, all of us still live in a world of conflict, hostility, and war. In fact, Christians may face even greater conflict in some ways, as we enter the "war" against the spiritual forces that oppose God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

* The full realization of peace will come when the Prince of Peace returns (at his second advent).

3. Until then, what can believers do to experience more peace (shalôm) in everyday life?

* "You [LORD] will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal (Isaiah 26:3-4).

" … the mind controlled by the [indwelling Holy] Spirit is life and peace" (Romans 8:6).

"… make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification" (Romans 14:19).

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15).

Reflection
† Do you desire peace (shalôm)? Do you know the Prince of Peace? Have you received him?
† As a Christian, are you experiencing peace in your daily life? This week, reflect on these verses: Philippians 4:4-9; Colossians 3:12-15; Ephesians 4:2-6; Hebrews 12:7-11; Galatians 5:22.