Advent: Peace
The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom.
In English we draw our meaning for peace primarily from the Latin word Pax. For the Romans, Pax was the cessation of hostilities after a nation had been conquered, brought into the empire, and taxed for their goods, money, and human bodies. Peace was a ceasefire enforced by the legionary swords and crucifixion.
In contrast, Shalom means total harmony and completeness. Shalom can mean the absence of war—but certainly not the cessation of conflict through force.
More than the mere absence of discomfort, Biblical peace is the overflowing abundance of God’s presence causing perfect harmony to flourish in mind, body, soul, and relationships.
Rabbi Robert I. Kahn of Houston, Texas, capsulizes the distinctives of “Roman” peace and “Hebrew” shalom:
One can dictate a peace; shalom is a mutual agreement.
Peace is a temporary pact; shalom is a permanent agreement.
One can make a peace treaty; shalom is the condition of peace.
Peace can be negative, the absence of commotion. Shalom is positive, the presence of serenity.
Peace can be partial; shalom is whole.
Peace can be piecemeal; shalom is complete.
Check out this video from the Bible Project to learn more about the biblical word peace.
Ultimately, Peace is the presence of a person. The Prince of Peace.
When Jesus arrived. Shalom came with Him. Harmony. Wholeness. He is the way to peace with God. He is the way to peace of mind. He is the way to peace with others.
The world is longing for peace, for rest. Our souls are starving for peace. Peace of mind. Peace with each other. Peace with God. St. Augustine famously said,
“Our hearts are restless, until they find rest in you [God].”
We might say our hearts are without peace until they find peace in God.
Jesus offers peace for the weary soul.
Jesus offers peace to the wayward sinner.
Jesus offers peace for the troubled mind.
Jesus offers peace for the anxious heart.
Jesus offers peace for the broken relationship.
Jesus offers peace to a selfish and violent world.
Jesus, the Prince of Shalom, is the answer to the conflict, unforgiveness, sin, and trauma of the world.
Going Deeper
Shalom, or peace, is not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of perfect harmony. Read Ephesians 2. How is Jesus our peace? How does he make peace?
Where do you need the Prince of Peace to restore you? Spend a few moments giving those areas to God. Be specific. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to guard your heart and mind with the peace of Jesus.
Where have walls of separation been built between you and others. Who are you having a hard time loving or forgiving. Pray for that person. Remember Shalom is a resource of heaven not human strength. Ask God to reveal to you a practical step you can take to bring that relationship into greater wholeness.