At the Cherry Tree Court carol service this morning, Garry spoke on the subject of ‘Advent Peace‘, focussing on the announcement of the good news to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-16). It must have been a terrifying sight to be dazzled and blinded by the light of the angels when the shepherds were minding their flocks in the darkest night, but the angels brought reassurance and good news, including the proclamation of ‘peace to those on whom [God’s] favour rests.’
Many would question the peace that Jesus brought, declaring that ‘if Jesus came to bring peace, that was one spectacular failure’, citing the wars between countries, civil wars, terrorism and school shootings which still abound today. This year has seen the centenary of the end of the First World War, during which 20 million people were killed. (On Armistice Day alone, 11,000 troops were killed.) Peace seems to be wishful thinking, another children’s fairytale with the promise of a happy ending which seems unlikely to be found in reality.
The Hebrew word for peace (‘shalom’) signifies much more than the absence of hostilities, indicating contentment, wellbeing, wholeness and harmony. Ultimately, Jesus came to be the peacemaker between humanity and God, for people have resolutely refused to live by God’s rules and ignored Him, being scattered like sheep on the hillside, all determined to go our own ways. Jesus came to reconcile us to God and give us full peace, a peace that will be eternal. This peace enables us to become peacemakers with other people, helping us to live in restored relationships. Jesus was not a spectacularfailure, but a resounding success, being the bridge or pathway to lasting peace with God and with other people. At Christmas time, we celebrate God with us (‘Immanuel’) and the fact that the Prince of Peace came to earth. His coming has made all the difference to life.
