Shalom: The Peace Christ Brings
At Christmas we hear the word peace everywhere. It’s written on cards, sung in carols, and used as a greeting. But in the Bible, peace means far more than just “quiet” or “no fighting.” It speaks of a deep, rich kind of life—a life made whole.
The biblical word shalom describes peace as wholeness, well-being, and everything being put right again. It is the peace that comes when broken things are mended, when relationships are healed, and when people are cared for and safe. Shalom is God’s dream for the world.
Peace also means calm in the middle of trouble—the kind of steady, gentle presence that helps us breathe again even when life feels overwhelming. And it means rest: the kind of inner stillness that comes from knowing God is with us.
When Jesus said, “My peace I give to you,” He was offering this deep, restoring peace. A peace that doesn’t depend on everything being perfect. A peace that holds us in fear, sits with us in pain, and strengthens us in uncertainty. His peace brings us back together—back to God, back to one another, and even back to ourselves.
So, what might peace look like this Christmas, here in our homes and villages?
Peace looks like:
- listening kindly to someone who is struggling
- forgiving where there has been hurt
- making sure neighbours are not hungry or alone
- choosing gentleness in difficult moments
- offering a warm presence to someone who is anxious or grieving
- bringing calm where there is tension
- praying for those who wake each day to fear, pain, or worry
Peace grows whenever we choose compassion, patience, and understanding. Shalom begins in small acts of love.
This Christmas, may we not only speak of peace but live it.
May we be people who mend, restore, and encourage.
May Christ’s peace rest upon all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit.
And may His shalom fill our community with hope, healing, and light.
Shalom, and the peace of Christ be with you this Christmas.