Receive Christ, and let the peace of Christ rule in your heart!

Imagine a child waking up on Christmas morning to the sound of joyful laughter and the sight of wrapped gifts beneath a glowing tree. The excitement is palpable. They rip open a package and find the one gift they had dreamed of all year—a gift they thought would bring them endless joy and satisfaction. For a moment, their world is perfect. But weeks later, the toy lies forgotten in a corner, unable to fulfill the promise of lasting happiness. The joy fades, and they begin dreaming of the next thing that might finally bring them contentment.

Isn’t that how peace often feels in our world? Promised through countless means—wealth, achievements, relationships—but fleeting once circumstances change. The chaos of life, broken relationships, and the uncertainties of the world seem to rob us of the very peace we long for. Whether it’s the relentless pace of our schedules, unresolved conflicts with loved ones, or the weight of global headlines, the pursuit of peace often feels elusive, as if it’s just out of reach.

Yet, amid the noise, the season of Advent reminds us of a different kind of peace. This peace is not fragile or temporary. It is not based on how things are going or what we have accomplished. It is deeper, stronger, and unshakable. It is a peace that comes not from circumstances but from a person—Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Today, as we light the candle of peace, let us journey through the Scriptures and discover: The promise of peace foretold, The peace Jesus offers, and How we can share His peace with others this Advent season.

Centuries before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah offered a vision of hope to a people who were weary and broken. He proclaimed, A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:1-2). This prophecy spoke of a coming King, a descendant of Jesse, the father of David, who would reign with wisdom, justice, and righteousness.  

Isaiah’s audience lived in tumultuous times, marked by political instability, war, and exile. The once-glorious kingdom of David had been reduced to a stump, cut down by the consequences of sin and rebellion. The people of Israel longed for a Savior to restore their nation and bring lasting peace. Imagine the weight of these words to a people sitting in despair—a promise that the barren stump of their history would one day bear a flourishing branch, full of life and hope.  

This coming King would do more than establish earthly peace; He would transform creation itself. Isaiah describes a world where “the wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them” (Isaiah 11:6). This is not mere symbolism but a promise of complete restoration—a return to the harmony of Eden, where even the natural world reflects the peace and order of God’s reign.  

Isaiah’s prophecy reveals a peace that is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of righteousness, justice, and wholeness. It is a peace that reaches into every aspect of life, restoring what is broken and making all things new.  

This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the shoot from the stump of Jesse, the long-awaited Messiah who reconciles humanity to God and restores the brokenness of creation. When Jesus began His ministry, He proclaimed, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). In doing so, He declared that the kingdom Isaiah spoke of had come near.

What does this mean for us today? It means that peace is not an abstract ideal or a far-off dream. It has a name, a face, and a presence: Jesus Christ. The peace He brings is rooted in God’s eternal plan, not in human efforts or temporary solutions. As Paul reminds us, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14).  

This Advent, as we reflect on Isaiah’s prophecy, we are reminded that the peace we long for is found in Christ alone. His peace reconciles us to God, heals our brokenness, and gives us hope for the day when His kingdom will fully come and His peace will reign forever.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gathered His disciples and spoke words that have echoed through the centuries: “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” (John 14:27). These were not idle words spoken in passing; they were a promise of profound significance.  

The disciples were anxious and confused. Their teacher and friend were speaking about leaving them, and the weight of His words about betrayal and death began to sink in. The future seemed uncertain, even threatening. In this moment of fear and disorientation, Jesus offered a peace that was different from anything the world could provide—a peace that transcends understanding, anchoring the soul in the midst of life’s storms.  

Jesus’ peace is not the absence of hardship or suffering. Consider the stormy sea in Matthew 14:22-33. The disciples, caught in a boat battered by waves, saw Jesus walking toward them on the water. Terrified, they thought He was a ghost, but Jesus immediately said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). In that moment, Jesus’ presence calmed their fears, even before He calmed the storm.  

This is the peace Jesus offers—a peace rooted in His presence. It does not depend on the circumstances of life but on the unshakable reality of who He is. He does not merely speak peace; He is peace. As Isaiah prophesied, He is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), the one who reconciles us to God and brings wholeness to our hearts.  

This peace flows from the knowledge that we are deeply loved by God. Paul writes in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross removed the barrier of sin that separated us from God, making it possible for us to be at peace with Him. This peace with God becomes the foundation for every other kind of peace in our lives.  

Moreover, Jesus’ peace assures us of God’s unwavering presence in every situation. Paul encourages believers in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” This peace guards us, not by removing difficulties, but by giving us the confidence that God is with us and for us.  

What does this mean for us today? It means we do not have to be overcome by fear, even in the face of life’s greatest uncertainties. Jesus invites us to lay down our burdens, exchange our anxieties for His peace, and trust in His unfailing love. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8:38-39, nothing—“neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers…”—can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

This Advent season, as we reflect on the peace Jesus offers, let us accept His invitation to rest in His presence. Let us trust that His peace is enough to sustain us, no matter the storms we face.

Advent is a season of waiting, reflection, and preparation. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of Christ, we are also invited to live out His peace in tangible ways. But how do we embody the peace of Christ in our lives and communities? Let us consider three areas: peace in relationships, peace in communities, and peace in our hearts.  

The holidays often bring us face-to-face with tensions in our relationships—family conflicts, unresolved hurts, or misunderstandings. Yet as followers of the Prince of Peace, we are called to be peacemakers. Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”  

Being a peacemaker does not mean avoiding conflict or pretending that everything is fine. True peace requires intentional effort. It means actively seeking reconciliation, extending forgiveness, and choosing humility over pride. Paul urges us in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  

Is there someone in your life you need to reconcile with? Perhaps it’s a family member you’ve grown distant from, a friend who has hurt you, or a neighbor with whom you’ve had disagreements. Reconciliation can feel difficult or even impossible, but Christ’s peace empowers us to take that first step. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  

This Advent, let Christ’s peace flow through you. Write that letter, make that call, or offer that apology. In doing so, you reflect the heart of the Prince of Peace.  

Isaiah’s vision of the wolf dwelling with the lamb reminds us that peace is not just personal but communal. God’s shalom—the Hebrew word for peace—encompasses justice, harmony, and flourishing for all creation. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend this peace to the world around us.  

James 3:18 says, “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” This sowing happens through acts of kindness, service, and justice. It happens when we stand in the gap for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the hurting.  

Think about the people in your community who are struggling. Perhaps it’s a single parent juggling too many responsibilities, a coworker facing loneliness, or a neighbor in financial need. How might you bring the light of Christ into their lives this season?  

Isaiah 58:10 reminds us of the power of serving others: “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” This Advent, consider volunteering at a shelter, inviting someone into your home for a meal, or simply being present for someone who feels unseen. These small acts of love and service reflect God’s peace in the world.  

Finally, let us not forget to receive the peace Christ offers. So often, we rush through the Advent season, consumed by busyness, worry, and endless to-do lists. But Jesus invites us to slow down, to rest, and to trust in Him. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”  

Taking time to reflect on God’s promises is essential. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This peace is not something we can manufacture; it is a gift we must receive. Set aside time each day to pray, meditate on Scripture, and rest in God’s presence. Allow His peace to fill your heart and overflow into your words, actions, and relationships.  

As Colossians 3:15 urges, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” When we allow Christ’s peace to dwell richly within us, it changes not only how we live but also how we interact with others.  

Living out Christ’s peace during Advent is both a privilege and a responsibility with our gratitude to God for all that God has provided to us. As we experience His peace in our hearts, let us share it in our relationships and communities. By doing so, we fulfill the call of Advent—to prepare the way for the Prince of Peace, not only in our own lives but in the world around us.  

As we close, picture this scene: A weary traveler, lost in the cold darkness, trudges along a seemingly endless path. Their strength is nearly gone, and their hope is fading. Then, in the distance, they see a warm, glowing house. Drawn by the light, they approach, and the door opens to reveal a welcoming host. Inside, there is a feast prepared, a roaring fire, and an invitation to rest.  

This is the invitation of Advent. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, stands at the door of our hearts, offering us the rest and restoration we so desperately need. He invites us to trade our burdens for His peace, our weariness for His strength, and our brokenness for His healing. As He says in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

This peace is not passive or fleeting. It reconciles us to God, healing the deepest divisions in our hearts. It restores our relationships, enabling us to be peacemakers in our families and communities. And it renews our hope, reminding us that we are not alone, even in the darkest moments.  

Will you accept His invitation today? Will you open your heart to the Prince of Peace? Let Him calm the storms in your life, heal the wounds you carry, and guide you into the fullness of His perfect peace.