I. Introduction

Peace is likely among the key factors that make life feel meaningful. To feel at peace can come from an inner sense of calm, when we engage in certain practices like deep breathing, going for a walk, or other activities that make us feel good and relaxed. To feel at peace can come from good relationships with others and doing things together that feel good and joyful. Peace can also come when conflicts have been resolved and there is a better understanding between each other, and a sense of relief, belonging and joy from being with those we made peace with. Being at peace means loving and accepting everyone from close ones to distant strangers. Peace is what God wants to see in this world...

II. The Son of God, our Peace and our Salvation

In our passage, the prophet Isaiah prophesies about the Messiah who would come from the stump of Jesse, the father of David, a peasant family, instead of coming from "the pomp and glory of the royal house", says John Oswalt in his commentary of Isaiah. Isaiah addressed the aggression and arrogance of the house of Israel and Judah, and then predicted the destruction of Assyria, while prophesying about a leader, the Messiah who will come to bring safety and security to the nations of the world. This Messiah's leadership and reign will be filled with righteousness and justice toward the needy and the poor, while speaking with authority against those who act in wicked ways. Under His reign there will be peace. Then Isaiah describes metaphorically how that peace would look like, for example the wolf will live with the lamb, the calf and the lion will be together, and they will be led by a little child. The cow will feed the bear, and the infant will play near the hole of a cobra. We can only imagine what a world this would be...a place of safety, lack of fear of the other, a world where every human being and creature will be at peace with one another, where there is no poverty, hunger or violence. This Messiah will be filled with the Spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and power, of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. The prophet then predicts how this knowledge of God will fill the earth. These prophets were completely open to the word of God, and they must have been hoping, praying and believing that in their day these prophesies would come true. Despite witnessing those in power act against God's people, they believed a Messiah would eventually arrive and correct the iniquities and bring peace on earth.

We see how the Messiah, the Son of God, became the hope for many. His birth became the hope for the shepherds, the sick, the poor and the outcasts. They believed that finally, righteousness and peace came to them. The prophets' words came true for them, and their hope for a new era of peace had arrived.

III. Conclusion

When we sing our hymns, such as Hark the Herald, Angels sing...peace on earth and mercy mild, or O little Town of Bethlehem, a hymn that speaks about the hope for peace, and Silent Night, one of the most peaceful Christmas hymns, may our hearts also yearn for days and nights of peace for all people in our world today. May this advent time remind us why Christ, the Prince of peace was born. May our prayers rise to the throne of God and may our words and deeds create straight paths for God to heal our world and make those who lead, into instruments of change so that the cries of the poor be heard and their needs be fulfilled, that the peoples of the world will experience peace instead of violence and destruction, and that the hearts and souls of all people be touched by the message of this Christ Child, of peace and joy. May we all look at each other, our loved ones, our neighbors, and those different from ourselves, as people near to the heart of God. May God forgive us when we fail to do so, and give us another chance at repentance and renewal, so that all of us will greet each other with hands and hearts of peace. Let us all join together and declare that Christ, the Son of God is our peace and our salvation. Amen.