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Devotional | Cindy Western | Dec 26, 2020
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
It is a somewhat common practice at the end of December to look back over the past year, its events and unique tone, and sum it all up as we move into the new year. As I did that this year, the words and phrases that defined 2020 which came to mind for me were: unprecedented, separation, confusion, cancelled plans, isolation, division, divisiveness and disunity, loss, fear, and, of course, Zoom. As I wrote my list, I struggled to find redeeming qualities of the year … until I looked at the pictures that filled my phone. This year was also defined by my daughter’s wedding over Zoom (who knew that was even possible), a baby girl born to my oldest son and his wife—making me a Gigi, learning to bake, redecorating my home, checking in with friends and family more than usual, and lots of time with my dogs. One word that didn’t make the list, though, was peace. And I realized that was on me because it was there all along.
Isaiah announced the coming Messiah would be called the Prince of Peace; the word for peace in Hebrew is Shalom, a beautiful word often used in greetings and partings by Jews. It takes several words to define Shalom in English to capture its essence: totality, completeness, success, fulfillment, wholeness, harmony, security, well-being, safety, wellness.
Jesus is the Prince, the ruler and giver, of Shalom. His kingdom is rooted in peace and is without end. For its citizens—those who call Jesus Lord and Savior—peace is a right and a privilege enjoyed without boundaries or exception. Times and circumstances don’t override the internal peace granted by our Prince. Shalom rules our hearts. If we aren’t feeling peace, it is because we are suppressing it, ignoring it, or rejecting it. If Jesus is in our hearts, so is peace. That doesn’t mean we won’t experience the emotions of grief, sadness, confusion, or loneliness. It just means peace is available to us in the midst of those circumstances, in the midst of all circumstances; we just need to embrace it.
As we say goodbye to 2020 and look ahead to 2021, may we experience peace, in all of its heavenly glory. Let’s greet the year, and each other, with “Shalom” (Peace be with you—may God’s wholeness and rest, comfort, and assurance be with you).
cwestern@crossings.church
Look at the words that define Shalom, or peace. Which of the definitions would you like to take into 2021?
How can you embrace peace in your current circumstances? What would that look like for you?
Prince of Peace,
Thank you for making shalom the foundation of your kingdom. Because of you, I can have peace with God, peace with others, and peace with myself. I pray as circumstances give way to emotions that weigh heavy on my heart, you will expand the depth and breadth of peace within me. Overwhelm me with your presence, remind me I am whole and complete in the midst of loss and brokenness. Let peace reign in me in the New Year, so that I may confidently and sincerely greet others with the blessings of Shalom.