It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. The Starbucks cups have changed, Christmas carols are playing on the radio, and twinkling lights brighten the long, cold nights. This season brings joy, hope, and anticipation. But for many, it also brings a season of longing.
Recently, my youngest son carefully curated his Christmas list, his childlike excitement building as he anticipated the gifts to come. As I looked over his list, I found myself reflecting on the things many of us wish for—things that aren’t found in a store. In the quiet of our hearts, our Christmas lists might look a little more like this:
- Peace in our country
- A prodigal child to return
- Mental health to be restored
- A healed marriage
- Freedom from debt
- A healthy pregnancy
- Reconciliation in a broken relationship
- Protection from harm
In truth, we were made for peace. We long for it in our friendships, workplaces, families, and hearts. Peace is a deep desire woven into the fabric of who we are—a longing for rest, comfort, and wholeness. Yet, this year, peace feels more elusive than ever. The constant noise of a world filled with anxiety, polarization, and uncertainty leaves us feeling unsettled. We crave lasting peace, yet we wonder if it’s even possible.
Our longing for peace is not new. People in the ancient world sought peace, though the stresses were different. The people of ancient Israel longed for peace and expected it to arrive through political victory or the restoration of their nation. They hoped for peace in the form of liberation from their oppressors. Sound familiar?
Yet, when Jesus came, he didn’t bring peace in the way they anticipated. He didn’t deliver them from political oppression or establish a perfect social order. Instead, he offered a peace that transcends politics, geography, and temporary circumstances. Jesus came to bring peace between God and humanity—a peace that goes beyond external conditions or fleeting comforts.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). This peace is different from worldly peace. It is not tied to political victories or fulfilled desires. It’s a deep, abiding peace that comes from being reconciled with God through Jesus. It’s a peace that endures beyond our circumstances, flowing from his presence in our lives.
When Jesus came, Israel was under Roman rule, and many hoped the Messiah would deliver them from political oppression. But Jesus came to bring a different kind of peace—peace between God and humanity. This peace isn’t dependent on external factors or fleeting stability. Jesus offers us a peace that surpasses understanding—a peace that doesn’t make sense amid hardship, yet remains steadfast even when the world around us is chaotic.
Through the cross, Jesus made a way back to peace with God. His sacrifice removed the barrier our sin created and restored our relationship with our Creator. Because of his perfect righteousness, we have access to God’s peace, a peace that is beyond our circumstances and endures even in life’s uncertainties.
This Christmas, we may look at the world around us and feel that peace is beyond our reach. The noise, unrest, and uncertainty may leave us feeling unfulfilled. But the message of Christmas is this: true peace is found in Jesus Christ. In him, we find the peace we so desperately long for—the peace only he can provide.
This Christmas, may we surrender our restless hearts to the Prince of Peace, knowing that in him, we find the peace that brings rest, reconciliation, and hope—now and forever.
The World Rejoices
The World Rejoices is a practical resource for individuals and families, encouraging a slower December pace while counting down the days to Christmas. Each short daily reflection and Scripture reading from the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke guides you toward a deeper connection with Jesus and a meaningful understanding of the Christmas story. Engaging activities interspersed throughout the book will give you a few minutes to unwind and enjoy the season.
