Jesus, Our Peace & Peacemaker
The True Meaning of Peace at Christmas
As we enter the Christmas season, our thoughts often turn to the idea of peace. We sing carols about "peace on earth" and light candles symbolizing peace. But what does true peace really mean, especially in the context of the Christmas story?
The concept of peace goes far beyond simply the absence of conflict or war. In fact, peace is personified in the person of Jesus Christ himself. He is not just a bringer of peace or a teacher of peace - He IS our peace.
This profound truth is beautifully illustrated in the book of Ephesians, chapter 2. Here, we see a vivid picture of how Christ brought reconciliation and unity where there was once hostility and division.
The passage begins by reminding Gentile believers of their former status. They were "without Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." This stark description highlights the deep chasm that existed between Jews and Gentiles in the ancient world.
But then comes a dramatic shift with two simple words: "But now." Everything changes because of what Christ has done. Those who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. The dividing wall of hostility has been torn down. Where there were once two separate groups, Christ has created "one new humanity."
This reconciliation happens on two levels simultaneously. Vertically, Christ reconciles both Jews and Gentiles to God the Father. Horizontally, He brings peace between these two formerly hostile groups, uniting them into one body.
The imagery used is powerful. Christ is described as breaking down the dividing wall of hostility "in his flesh." This likely refers to the physical barrier in the Jerusalem temple that separated the court of the Gentiles from the inner courts where only Jews could enter. Archaeological evidence has even uncovered warning inscriptions that threatened death to any Gentile who dared to pass beyond this point.
Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross, removes this barrier - both literally and spiritually. He creates a new way of access to God that is open to all people, regardless of ethnic background.
This radical new reality is described as a "new humanity" or a "third race." In Christ, our primary identity is no longer defined by our ethnicity or cultural background. We are now part of God's family, fellow citizens with all of God's people throughout history.
The implications of this truth are profound, especially as we consider the divisions and hostilities that still exist in our world today. The message of Christmas is not just about individual salvation, but about a cosmic reconciliation that impacts how we relate to one another.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of this reconciliation. We must actively work to break down barriers that divide people, always remembering that in Christ, we are one family. This means examining our own hearts and communities to identify ways we may be excluding others or maintaining unnecessary divisions.
The passage goes on to use the metaphor of a building to describe this new reality. With Christ as the cornerstone, we are being built together into a dwelling place for God. This is not an individual project, but a communal one. We are meant to grow and be formed together, supporting and strengthening one another as living stones in God's temple.
This communal aspect of our faith challenges the individualistic tendencies prevalent in much of Western Christianity. The idea that one can be a genuine follower of Christ while remaining isolated from other believers is foreign to the New Testament vision of the church. We are called to do life together, to bear one another's burdens, to sharpen one another like iron sharpens iron.
As we reflect on the true meaning of peace this Christmas, let us remember that it is far more than a warm feeling or a temporary cessation of conflict. True peace is found in the person of Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God and to one another. This peace has the power to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities and nations.
Let us also consider how we can be peacemakers in our own spheres of influence. Are there relationships in need of reconciliation? Are there barriers we need to break down? Are we actively participating in the community of believers, allowing ourselves to be built up together as God's dwelling place?
The Christmas story reminds us that God entered our world to bring peace - not just in a theoretical sense, but in a tangible, transformative way. He came to create a new humanity, a family united in Him. As we celebrate His birth, may we embrace this radical vision of peace and allow it to shape how we live and relate to others.
In a world still marked by division, hostility, and isolation, the message of Ephesians 2 is as relevant and revolutionary as ever. This Christmas, let us celebrate the Prince of Peace by becoming agents of reconciliation, tearing down walls of hostility, and building up the community of faith. For in Christ, we who were once far off have been brought near, and in Him we find our true peace.
As we enter the Christmas season, our thoughts often turn to the idea of peace. We sing carols about "peace on earth" and light candles symbolizing peace. But what does true peace really mean, especially in the context of the Christmas story?
The concept of peace goes far beyond simply the absence of conflict or war. In fact, peace is personified in the person of Jesus Christ himself. He is not just a bringer of peace or a teacher of peace - He IS our peace.
This profound truth is beautifully illustrated in the book of Ephesians, chapter 2. Here, we see a vivid picture of how Christ brought reconciliation and unity where there was once hostility and division.
The passage begins by reminding Gentile believers of their former status. They were "without Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." This stark description highlights the deep chasm that existed between Jews and Gentiles in the ancient world.
But then comes a dramatic shift with two simple words: "But now." Everything changes because of what Christ has done. Those who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. The dividing wall of hostility has been torn down. Where there were once two separate groups, Christ has created "one new humanity."
This reconciliation happens on two levels simultaneously. Vertically, Christ reconciles both Jews and Gentiles to God the Father. Horizontally, He brings peace between these two formerly hostile groups, uniting them into one body.
The imagery used is powerful. Christ is described as breaking down the dividing wall of hostility "in his flesh." This likely refers to the physical barrier in the Jerusalem temple that separated the court of the Gentiles from the inner courts where only Jews could enter. Archaeological evidence has even uncovered warning inscriptions that threatened death to any Gentile who dared to pass beyond this point.
Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross, removes this barrier - both literally and spiritually. He creates a new way of access to God that is open to all people, regardless of ethnic background.
This radical new reality is described as a "new humanity" or a "third race." In Christ, our primary identity is no longer defined by our ethnicity or cultural background. We are now part of God's family, fellow citizens with all of God's people throughout history.
The implications of this truth are profound, especially as we consider the divisions and hostilities that still exist in our world today. The message of Christmas is not just about individual salvation, but about a cosmic reconciliation that impacts how we relate to one another.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of this reconciliation. We must actively work to break down barriers that divide people, always remembering that in Christ, we are one family. This means examining our own hearts and communities to identify ways we may be excluding others or maintaining unnecessary divisions.
The passage goes on to use the metaphor of a building to describe this new reality. With Christ as the cornerstone, we are being built together into a dwelling place for God. This is not an individual project, but a communal one. We are meant to grow and be formed together, supporting and strengthening one another as living stones in God's temple.
This communal aspect of our faith challenges the individualistic tendencies prevalent in much of Western Christianity. The idea that one can be a genuine follower of Christ while remaining isolated from other believers is foreign to the New Testament vision of the church. We are called to do life together, to bear one another's burdens, to sharpen one another like iron sharpens iron.
As we reflect on the true meaning of peace this Christmas, let us remember that it is far more than a warm feeling or a temporary cessation of conflict. True peace is found in the person of Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God and to one another. This peace has the power to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities and nations.
Let us also consider how we can be peacemakers in our own spheres of influence. Are there relationships in need of reconciliation? Are there barriers we need to break down? Are we actively participating in the community of believers, allowing ourselves to be built up together as God's dwelling place?
The Christmas story reminds us that God entered our world to bring peace - not just in a theoretical sense, but in a tangible, transformative way. He came to create a new humanity, a family united in Him. As we celebrate His birth, may we embrace this radical vision of peace and allow it to shape how we live and relate to others.
In a world still marked by division, hostility, and isolation, the message of Ephesians 2 is as relevant and revolutionary as ever. This Christmas, let us celebrate the Prince of Peace by becoming agents of reconciliation, tearing down walls of hostility, and building up the community of faith. For in Christ, we who were once far off have been brought near, and in Him we find our true peace.
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