PEACE (CHRISTMAS DAY REFLECTION)

PEACE (CHRISTMAS DAY REFLECTION) CHRISTMAS REFLECTION The theme for our Christmas reflection is Peace. In the Hebrew language, peace is translated as Shalom. It is not merely the absence of conflict, but the totality of a person’s well-being which springs from his or her relationship with God. It is the profound completeness one experiences physically,…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Dec 22, 2025

5–7 minutes

PEACE (CHRISTMAS DAY REFLECTION)

CHRISTMAS REFLECTION

The theme for our Christmas reflection is Peace. In the Hebrew language, peace is translated as Shalom. It is not merely the absence of conflict, but the totality of a person’s well-being which springs from his or her relationship with God. It is the profound completeness one experiences physically, morally, psychologically, socially, and spiritually as a result of salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. Crucially, this peace can still be experienced even in times of challenges or crises. We shall explore the following fundamental truths about peace:

Without God at the centre of leadership or governance, the nation cannot experience peace.
The Salvation of the Lord brings peace into our lives.

First, we must recognise that without God at the heart of our national life, a nation cannot hope to experience an era of true peace. Consider the prophet Isaiah, who ministered in Judah during the reign of King Ahaz. Threatened by his northern neighbours, Israel and Syria, King Ahaz foolishly turned to Assyria—a pagan empire—for protection. God sent Isaiah with a message of absolute assurance, urging Ahaz to trust only in Him, the God of his father David. He warned that relying on the Assyrians would only lead to spiritual ruin.

To prove His redemptive hand, God promised a sign: the birth of a son. It is for this reason Isaiah proclaimed: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

This message carried both an immediate and a prophetic weight. While the immediate reference was likely to King Hezekiah—who, unlike his father, did “what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God” (2 Chronicles 31:20) and brought Judah a long period of peace—the ultimate fulfilment is found in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the promised Messiah. Without Jesus at the centre of human leadership and affairs, we simply cannot experience true peace. Human leadership will inevitably disappoint and mislead us until they allow Jesus to reign in their hearts. Until the Prince of Peace governs the minds of leaders, nations will continue to suffer corruption, injustice, and insecurity. Christmas serves as a powerful reminder that God sent His Son so that whoever receives Him as Lord and Saviour will finally know true peace.

Secondly, beloved in the Lord, even if the leadership of a nation remains wayward, those who are saved shall experience the peace of God. We experience this divine peace through salvation in Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift to the world. The fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy was heralded by angels: “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord… Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’” (Luke 2:9-14).

Those upon whom His favour rests are those who believe in Him. They experience a peace that surpasses understanding because they are saved by grace. As Paul eloquently writes to Titus: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14).

In Christ, we find liberation. However, when we return to ungodliness, we step outside the shelter of that grace. Consider the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32; he abandoned his father’s house and lost his peace in a world of sin. It was only upon his repentance and return that his safety and peace were restored. Jesus came so that through repentance and faith, we might be saved and restored. He assures us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

SUMMARY

In meditating on “Peace,” we have discovered two vital facts: national peace requires God-centred leadership, and personal peace is a fruit of the Lord’s salvation. May the Holy Spirit guide our leaders into a deep relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, so that our nation may prosper. May He also strengthen us to live godly lives, ensuring that the peace of God abides with us always.

PRAYER

Almighty and Everlasting God, the Source of all true peace and the Author of our salvation, we thank You for the glorious gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Prince of Peace.

Lord, we pray for our nation and its leaders. We ask that You would turn their hearts towards You. Grant them the wisdom to lead with integrity, the courage to uphold justice, and the humility to submit to Your divine authority. We pray that Your Shalom would permeate our corridors of power, bringing an end to insecurity and corruption.

Heavenly Father, we also lift up our own lives to You. We thank You for the grace that has appeared in Christ to redeem us. In the midst of a troubled world, let Your peace, which passes all understanding, guard our hearts and minds. Strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit to say “No” to ungodliness and to live upright, godly lives as we await our blessed hope.

May the joy of the Shepherd’s news and the serenity of the manger remain with us this Christmas and forevermore. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.

Amen.