The angel said to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Then suddenly a great company of angels appeared praising God saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Lk 2:10-14)
Not too long after this declaration of joy to the world, an evil king sent his soldiers into the little town of Bethlehem and murdered all the male babies two years old and younger. What kind of peace is this? Just as the ‘joy of the Lord’ goes far deeper than the happiness our world promotes, the peace of God surpasses any human definition. The prophets warned that the world will say, “Peace, peace” when there actually is no peace. But God knows that even when chaos and injustice seem to cover the earth, He still gives peace.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33) Jesus gives peace in the midst of trouble. The peace is in him. Paul goes as far to say that Jesus “himself is our peace” (Eph 2:14). “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (Jn 14:27) This peace passes all understanding; it is supernatural. And with the gift comes a call to courage.
This is the type of peace David must have had as he walked into the valley to fight the giant, Goliath. Surely his heart was pounding, but the peace of God and the courage that accompanies faith allowed him to defeat the enemy and give glory to God. This is the type of peace that allowed Joseph to awaken from a dream to take his wife and child to Egypt to escape the sword of Herod. This is the type of peace that allowed Paul to sit in a Philippian jail and write that those who believe in Jesus can always rejoice. This is the type of peace that allows a family to face unemployment or disease or disappointment or even death with confidence in a God who knows all things. This world is full of trouble, but God is near. And He says to his children, “Reach out and help carry the burden of a brother or sister or neighbor or stranger. Be an instrument of peace and let my love be known.” Shalom!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7