In our chaotic world, it can be hard to find true and lasting peace. But if we’re honest, isn’t that peace something we all long for? In fact, it was something people longed for centuries ago.

Reflecting on God’s Presence

One of the names for Jesus you may recognize is Emmanuel, which means God with us. We recognize His constant, faithful, and unfailing love. Advent is a time to be aware of His presence, to open ourselves to His teaching, and to seek where we may have become distracted or disengaged from His will. Our hearts and minds are filled with a longing for Jesus and His peace.

Prophecy of Peace

Even years before Jesus arrived on earth, people sought true peace. Today, we reflect on the prophecies about Jesus in the book of Micah.

Micah 5:2-6 (NIV)
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then His greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And He will be our peace.”

Hundreds of prophecies throughout the Old Testament anticipated the arrival of the Messiah. They foretold where He would be born, that His mother would be a virgin, that He would flee to Egypt, that He would come from David’s line, that He would be both God and human, that He would be betrayed, suffer, die, and rise again.

These prophecies given hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus were not merely God showing off. They were promises given to a people in need of real hope, revival, and a Savior. Among them, the prophecy from Micah highlights that the coming Savior will be our peace.

The prophecies, which are promises of peace, help us trust God. We trust that He is sovereign, always working, and always good. Jesus came to be our peace, a peace that transcends our circumstances.

Embracing Peace Amid Chaos

The Christmas season can bring moments of peace, but it can also be filled with chaos and activity. Regardless of our busy-ness, peace is always available to us in Jesus.

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Is there something you are turning to for peace instead of turning to Jesus? What one thing can you turn away from today to find your peace in Jesus? How can you share the peace of Jesus with those around you?