“A Radiant Candle: Embracing Peace in the Second Week of Advent – Reflections”

Posted on by philipberry

As we light the second candle on our Advent wreath, its warm glow symbolizes more than mere illumination—it heralds the theme of peace. In the Bible, the concept of peace resonates profoundly, offering solace and guidance. Join me as we delve into the scriptures to unwrap the timeless message of peace during this second week of Advent.

Peace, known as “Shalom” in Hebrew, is a multifaceted concept in the Old Testament that goes beyond the mere absence of conflict. It encompasses a holistic well-being, harmony, and a sense of completeness. Here are several ways to expand on the theme of peace from the Old Testament:

1. Shalom as Wholeness:

  • In the Old Testament, peace is often associated with completeness and soundness. It goes beyond the external absence of conflict to a state of internal harmony and well-being (Psalm 34:14; Proverbs 3:1-2).

2. Covenantal Peace:

  • The Old Testament frequently links peace with God’s covenant relationship with His people. When the people of Israel were faithful to the covenant, they experienced the blessings of peace (Leviticus 26:3-6; Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

3. Shalom as Prosperity:

  • Peace is connected with prosperity and abundance. The well-being of individuals and the community is often described in terms of prosperity and peace (Jeremiah 29:11; Ezekiel 34:25-26).

4. The Prince of Peace:

  • Isaiah 9:6 prophesies about the coming Messiah, calling Him the “Prince of Peace.” This title signifies that the ultimate source of true and lasting peace will be found in the person of Jesus Christ.

5. Peace through Righteousness:

  • The Old Testament emphasizes that true peace is intimately connected with righteousness. Psalm 85:10 declares, “Righteousness and peace have kissed each other,” highlighting the inseparable link between righteousness and peace.

6. Peace in the Midst of Trials:

  • The Old Testament narratives often depict individuals finding peace in the midst of challenging circumstances. For example, the story of Joseph demonstrates how God can bring peace even in the face of betrayal and adversity (Genesis 45:4-5).

7. God as the Source of Peace:

  • God Himself is frequently described as the source of peace. Numbers 6:24-26 contains the priestly blessing that invokes God’s peace: “The Lord bless thee and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

8. Shalom as a Gift of God:

  • Peace is often portrayed as a gift from God. It’s not merely a human accomplishment but a divine blessing. Psalm 29:11 says, “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.”

9. Peace in the Messianic Age:

  • Many Old Testament prophecies anticipate a future era of peace, often associated with the Messianic age. Isaiah 11 envisions a time when even the animal kingdom will experience peace, symbolizing a universal harmony brought about by the Messiah.

The Old Testament paints a rich tapestry of peace that encompasses personal well-being, covenantal relationships, righteousness, and the ultimate hope of a Messianic peace. It sets the stage for the fulfillment of these promises in the person of Jesus Christ as revealed in the New Testament.

The Prophecy of Peace

In the Old Testament, prophets foretold the coming of a Prince of Peace. The anticipation of a Savior who would bring a profound and lasting peace is woven into the fabric of biblical prophecy, Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

The Announcement to the Shepherds

The angels’ proclamation to the shepherds on that holy night heralded not only the birth of a Savior but also a message of peace on earth. The birth of Jesus ushered in an era where reconciliation with God and harmony among people became possible.

Example: Luke 2:14 (KJV) – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

The Peace of Christ in our Hearts

The KJV emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s peace, which goes beyond worldly understanding. This inner peace, rooted in faith, guards our hearts and minds.

Example: Philippians 4:7 (KJV) – “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The Call to Be Peacemakers

As we reflect on the second week of Advent, we are reminded of our role in spreading peace. The Bible encourages believers to actively engage in peacemaking and embody the virtues of Christ.

Matthew 5:9 (KJV) – “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

A Prayer for Peace

In the spirit of Advent, let us offer a prayer for peace, echoing the sentiments of the Psalmist who sought the tranquility that comes from God alone.

Psalm 29:11 (KJV) – “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.”

As we bask in the glow of the Advent candles, let us carry the message of peace into the coming weeks. The second candle, radiant with the promise of peace, invites us to embrace the transformative power of Christ’s presence in our lives and share the gift of peace with the world.

Take a moment to meditate on a specific scripture related to peace from the Bible. How can you embody and share the peace of Christ during this Advent season? Share your reflections and aspirations for a peaceful world in the comments, and let our collective journey through Advent be a beacon of peace for all to see.

Connecting the concept of peace from the Old Testament with the New Testament reveals a beautiful and cohesive narrative that finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Here are several ways in which the Old Testament understanding of peace is connected to its New Testament counterpart:

1. Promise of the Messiah:

  • Old Testament: The anticipation of a coming Messiah, often referred to as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), is a recurring theme. The Messiah was expected to bring a profound and lasting peace.
  • New Testament: Jesus Christ is revealed as the fulfillment of this Messianic prophecy in the New Testament (Luke 2:14, Ephesians 2:14-15). He is the embodiment of peace, reconciling humanity to God and bringing peace to those who receive Him.

2. Peace through Righteousness:

  • Old Testament: The Old Testament frequently connects peace with righteousness. Psalm 85:10 declares, “Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
  • New Testament: The New Testament reinforces this connection, emphasizing that through faith in Jesus Christ, righteousness is imputed to believers, leading to peace with God (Romans 5:1).

3. God as the Source of Peace:

  • Old Testament: God is often invoked as the source of peace in blessings and prayers (Numbers 6:24-26).
  • New Testament: In the New Testament, Jesus extends peace to His disciples, assuring them of His divine peace (John 14:27). The apostles also invoke peace in their greetings and blessings (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

4. Peace through Covenant:

  • Old Testament: Peace is intimately connected with God’s covenant relationship with His people. Obedience to the covenant brings blessings, including peace (Leviticus 26:3-6).
  • New Testament: Jesus establishes a new covenant through His sacrifice, ushering in a new era of peace for all who believe in Him (Hebrews 13:20).

5. Universal Peace Through Christ:

  • Old Testament: Prophecies anticipate a future era of universal peace, often associated with the Messianic age (Isaiah 11).
  • New Testament: Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, inaugurates this universal peace, breaking down the dividing walls and reconciling all things to Himself (Ephesians 2:14-16, Colossians 1:19-20).

6. Peace with God:

  • Old Testament: The Old Testament acknowledges the need for reconciliation with God to experience true peace (Psalm 51:10-12).
  • New Testament: The New Testament declares that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers experience peace with God (Romans 5:1) and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who produces the fruit of peace (Galatians 5:22).

7. Shalom as a Comprehensive Blessing:

  • Old Testament: Shalom in the Old Testament signifies comprehensive well-being—physical, spiritual, and relational.
  • New Testament: The New Testament echoes this holistic understanding of peace. It goes beyond external circumstances, offering a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

The connection between the Old and New Testament concepts of peace beautifully illustrates the continuity of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus Christ emerges as the focal point, bringing fulfillment to the promises of peace found in the Old Testament and inaugurating a new covenant of peace for all who believe in Him.

Philip Berry D.D. Thd