Peace, He Shall Speak Peace
The fullness of Christ the Lord
When I think of peace, I immediately recall the hush of a newly fallen snow. For example, in early January 2024, I came up from watching movie in our basement, looked out the window, and was caught up in the awe and wonder of the best Kansas snowfall I can remember. The heavy snow muffled the surrounding noises and allowed the soft whoosh-hiss of landing snow to amplify in my ears. I closed my eyes to take an extra-deep, cleansing breath of the fresh, icy air. Re-opening my eyes, I gazed again in wonder at the magical transformation the snow brought to my neighborhood. I relaxed deep into my body. It was peaceful.
But this kind of peace is only a hint at the peace — the Shalom — of Advent. Advent is a season of waiting on and anticipating the arrival of Christ. Shalom means peace that is full and complete. As we wait in between the Advents — the first arrival of Christ as a baby in a manger and His future return as Triumphant King — this week’s focus on peace is pertinent. Peace is part of Jesus’ name, after all!
“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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
This specific passage is one that is included in Handel’s Messiah — one of my favorite things to listen to at Christmas — and anytime I read these words from Isaiah, I always hear the music. In the Messiah, “For Unto Us” is the first direct reference to peace in the composition. Over and over in the musical recitations, there are glimpses of the promised coming of the Messiah and why we need Him. Directly preceding “For Unto Us” there are two bass solos alluding to the great need of humanity:
“For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isaiah 9:2-3)
and
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them the light shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)
We are still people walking in darkness in need of this great light. The world’s striving never ceases. We spend life working and making it work. But these works can’t save us. These works won’t save us. Thankfully though, God provided atonement in a Savior who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-12)
And this Savior’s name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is complete. And as much as I’m thankful for the peace of a winter’s snow, it’s nothing compared to the fullness — the Shalom — of Christ the Lord.
Also in the Advent 2024 series:
A beautiful refreshing post. Thank you. When I was in Seminary back in the dark ages of 1981-84, my wife and I sang in the Seminary Community Choir & Symphony’s rendition of Handel’s Messiah. It was a beautiful experience for us.