Perfect Peace

Christmas caroling is a tradition that is all but lost. However, this sweet memory is a highlight of my middle school years. We would gather as a group and walk door to door, singing Christmas carols and return to school for cookies and hot chocolate. A chill was in the air, but our young hearts were warmed with new-found freedom and welcoming homes. 

Our repertoire was a mix of all the old favorites, and we ended every stop with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” One of my favorites was “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” which I never really fully appreciated until I became an adult and understood more about my Savior. Have you ever considered the lyrics?

Hark! The herald angels sing,

Glory to the newborn king.

Peace on earth, and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled!

The song refers to Luke 2:13, when the angels appeared to the lowliest, the shepherds, to announce the birth of Christ. The “Prince of Peace,” as Isaiah had foretold (9:6), had manifested Himself on earth. Not to overthrow governments or kings, but to offer mercy and shalom, the Hebrew word for peace. This word also has connotations of “completeness” or “wholeness.”

In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”

Shalom is a peace that is not of this fragile world and its empty promises. It is not temporary, like a truce. Neither is it a promise that we will not suffer or undergo hardships. 

“Perfect peace,” as Isaiah describes it, originates from God, poured out through his Son. It is an assurance that He is with us always, He is “an everlasting rock” (Isaiah 26:4), and He is trustworthy and good. And as the only One who is perfect, He defines “good.” 

This peace “transcends all understanding” and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). It  is our lifeline during trials, our daily manna in the wilderness, and the presence of God Himself.

This perfect peace comes through the power of the Holy Spirit as we accept Jesus as our Savior our relationship with God is made whole. We can then accept our rightful citizenship in Heaven and the place that Jesus has prepared for us there. Through Him, we can come home.

Let’s pray.

Dear Jesus, this world has nothing for us but brokenness and chaos. We yearn for your perfect peace. In the busyness of this season and into the new year, remind us that you are Immanuel, God with us, and that your mercy and grace cover us and pave the way for our reconciliation with the Father. Our home is not in this world but with you. Amen.