Advent: Celebrating Christ's ArrivalSýnishorn

Day 3: Peace

Devotional:

The Hebrew word for peace, “shalom,” transcends the mere absence of conflict or serenity; it signifies wholeness and completeness, a state where things are as they ought to be. The psalmist yearns to witness God’s fulfillment of the promise to bestow “shalom” upon His people.

This fulfillment, as the New Testament authors proclaim, materializes with the advent of Jesus of Nazareth. Mark initiates his account of Jesus by presenting it as “good news” and quoting the words of the prophet Isaiah.

In Isaiah 40, God addresses His people during their exile, a period marked by displacement and captivity under foreign rule. The prophet commences the chapter with the word “comfort“ God offers solace to His exiled people. The message is described as “good news,” the same term used by Mark to describe Jesus’ story. So, what is this good news? It is the revelation that God is coming to rescue His people and establish His reign as King. Yet, God’s kingship manifests with the tenderness of a shepherd who gathers His sheep into His loving embrace.

Throughout the Advent season, we confront our brokenness. None of us, apart from God, can claim to possess lives characterized by the “shalom” depicted in Scripture. However, God has pledged to bring peace to His people and the world, and He never falters in keeping His promises. During this season, we reflect on the peace Jesus has already secured for us in the past, we discern the signs of His peace in our lives today, and we anticipate the day when God will restore and heal every fragment of this world and our souls, making all things whole once more.

Reflection Point: Despite Jesus being born in humble circumstances, God brought peace during a difficult situation. Recognizing the Lord’s peace in our lives can empower us to change the world—how will you do it?