“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2: 14

As the angels and the host of heaven sang on the night of Jesus’ birth, so we celebrate the birth of Christ with song and words of praise for the promised peace the Messiah will bring even when we live in a world of unrest and war.

While our word “peace” usually refers to a period of “freedom from hostility” or “free from anxiety or stress”, the Hebrew word for peace, Shalom, speaks of wholeness and blessing. That fullness of peace goes beyond our current circumstances. It is a peace that restores us.

As He spoke with the disciples Jesus reminded them that even when He is no longer physically with them, His peace is with them –

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

Paul recognized that anxiety and fear are normal human responses, but that we should bring our cares to God who can provide a “peace that transcends all understanding.”

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.

Philippians 4:6-7

This kind of peace is a supernatural gift of God worth seeking.