Peace to the Ends of the Earth

From Advent: A 25 Day Countdown to Christmas on YouVersion

When we remember the story of Jesus’ birth, it’s easy to focus on the manger, the wise men, and the ornate gifts. We imagine the bright star the wise men followed and the peace, joy, and anticipation they must have felt.

If we’re not careful, we can forget about some of the influential events that were happening at the same time.

Scripture tells us that as the wise men were following the star, they stopped to talk with King Herod. The men asked him, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” They learned that according to the chief priests and teachers, the promised Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem.

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”  Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:  “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”  – Matthew 2:13-18 ESV

King Herod asked the men to report back with Jesus’ location. After the wise men made it to Jesus, they returned home on a different route because of a dream warning them not to go back to Herod.

Jesus and His family fled to Egypt to seek refuge from the schemes of the king, who had plans to harm Jesus. When the king heard, he was furious and gave orders to kill all the young boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas.

During this time, these communities and towns would have likely been scared and overwhelmed. Peace was probably the last thing they were thinking about or experiencing.

This year, the same might be true for you. Peace might feel impossible. Life circumstances, world events, grief, and relational tensions can all take the front seat. If this season is difficult for you, or if peace feels out of reach, remember you’re not alone.

Through Jesus, we have true peace—a state of wholeness, calm, and renewal between God and His people. At the time of His birth, people were expecting the Savior of the world to be a fierce warrior who would use violence to bring justice and rescue God’s people.

While Jesus brought about justice and rescue, it was through love and compassion. And instead of being a source of violence, He allowed Himself to be crucified on a cross to save us from our sin. He received all of the hate and pain the world had to offer. With His resurrection, the power of violence, hatred, and division suffered a fatal blow.

Jesus’ life brought us peace that only God can give, and He shares it with us. In John 14:27 NIV, Jesus says:

“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.”

The peace Jesus gives us isn’t fake or fabricated. It’s not ignoring the problems around us. And it isn’t disengaging with people who might irritate you.

The peace Jesus gives us is a true gift that brings us closer to people around us. It steadies our racing minds, it calms our inner turmoil, and it reminds us who is in control. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, remembering that He is in control this holiday season—and always—we experience the deep peace He promises to provide.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. – 2 Thessalonians 3:16 ESV

Pause and Pray

Gracious Father, thank You for bringing Your Son to earth all those years ago as a way to make peace between one another and with You. Please help me to be a peacemaker who reflects Your patience, kindness, and compassion to everyone I meet. I want to be someone who brings a sense of wholeness, calm, and renewal to every situation and relationship in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflect or Discuss:

Which area of your life feels the most peaceful right now? How does your relationship with God influence your ability to experience peace today? To learn more about peace, check out this article.