FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25 | CHRISTMAS DAY
Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 9; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14
The world feels anything but peaceful. We live in a world where beauty and peace increasingly coexist with violence, duplicity, greed and more. It's no wonder so many feel disjointed, disoriented and disconnected. We long for peace.
Scripture tells us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He gives us peace, He leaves us peace, and in Him we find peace. And yet peace still seems elusive. What, then, is peace, and where does peace come from?
When Jesus spoke, he likely used the Hebrew term "shalom" (םֹולָׁש). This is a multifaceted word that reflects a state of harmony, wholeness, and well-being. Shalom comes when we live out our created purpose in relationship with God and God’s will in our lives. This chief aim extends to relationships with creation, with others and with ourselves.
When we operate in ways that undermine these relationships, peace erodes and the world becomes more chaotic. The step toward peace in ourselves and in our world begins with our relationship to the God of Peace.
Gregory Nealon, MDiv, ACPE-CE
Director of Mission Integration
CommonSpirit Health - Pacific Northwest Region
Pause
Where are you feeling at peace in your life? In what places do you feel unsettled? How might this guide you to trust God more?
Pray
God of the Universe, Creator of Light and Dark: You have formed us together as one body to proclaim Your peace. Draw us beyond our own narrowness to recognize Christ within ourselves and one another. Help us to choose unity – humility over pride and patience over anger. Make in us Your dwelling place, O God, that we may be worthy builders of Your Kingdom and true instruments of Your grace. Amen.