Advent Week 4: The Source of Peace

December 18, 2022

Steven Price

Micah 5:5 says, “And he will be the source of peace. When the Assyrians invade our land and break through our defenses, we will appoint seven rulers to watch over us, eight princes to lead us.”

Let’s focus in on those first couple of words of this passage: “He will be the source of peace.” Notice that it does not say “a source” but “THE source.”

How comforting are those words this Christmas? During the hustle and the bustle, the coming and the going, the shopping and the baking, He is THE source of peace.

This text in Micah provides one of the clearest Old Testament prophecies of Jesus Christ’s coming to Earth. To add to the significance of the statement, “He will be the source of peace,” we need to fast forward to John 14:27 where Jesus himself says, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

This peace was also spoken about as early as Christ’s birth in Luke 2 by the angels: “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’” (Luke 2:13-14). This message is something that should not be overlooked…by sending Jesus to Earth, God opened the way to true peace for us all. The message that the angels proclaimed that night long ago still rings true today, and it always will.

This peace Jesus Christ offers to all is something we and the world will never be able to wrap up, stick in a stocking, or place under a tree. It is only because of His first coming that we can experience peace with God without fear of judgment, guilt, or conflict. Instead, we receive peace, His peace. His peace gives us assurance, provides comfort, and is everlasting.

Let’s remember to tune into the Word of God. That is where we will discover the peace He offers and the real reason for the season won’t be forgotten or take a back seat.

Let’s allow this week’s Advent candle of peace to remind us to make this Christmas all about Jesus and His peace.