During the four weeks before Christmas, a Christian tradition is the season of Advent. The word is from the Latin adventus, which means “arrival”. During Advent, we prepare for the arrival of Christ as a baby born in Bethlehem.

But this season, I’d like to also prepare for the next arrival of Christ: As the King of the Universe who conquered sin and death. The words used to mark each week of Advent — Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love — are equally appropriate for both Arrivals.

This week’s word is Peace.

First Advent

Jesus was not born into a peaceful world. He was born into the world of “Pax Romana“, the “Roman Peace”. The Roman Empire had a 250-year period of prosperity where there were fewer than usual major wars and revolutions. However, much of the reason for the “peace” is that those who considered any revolt were brutally crushed. It was not a peace of harmony and happiness. It was a peace of simmering fear and anger.

Israel’s simmer was near the boiling point. By 66 A.D., it would erupt into a full-on revolt. Rome’s retribution for that uprising was to massacre everyone involved, and to destroy the temple in Jerusalem.

During Jesus’ lifetime, about 40 years before the Great Revolt, His people were plodding along under the weight of Roman occupation. Taxes were overwhelming; soldiers were ever-present; freedom was allowed only as long as you chose to do what Rome wanted you to do.

Into this world, Jesus came preaching peace:

• “Treat people the same way you want them to treat you.” (Matthew 7:12)
• “Whoever [as in ‘any Roman solder’] forces you to go one mile [carrying his gear for him], go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41)
• “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
• “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
• “Reconcile with your brother before offering your sacrifice” (Matthew 5:23-24)
• “Make friends with your opponent on the way to court with him.” (Matthew 5:25-26)

During His last meal with His disciples, knowing that He was going to be arrested that night and crucified the next day, Jesus still offered peace:

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

John 14:27

The peace He gives is not an absence of conflict. It is not a trouble-free life; in fact, He guaranteed that trouble is inevitable. The peace He gives is a confidence that God is in control, and that the story has a happy ending.

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Final Advent

Jesus was right: In this world, there is still tribulation. That will continue. The time just before He returns is prophesied to be even worse, so much that it is referred to as the “Great Tribulation“. But the kingdom He brings with Him will be one where conflict no longer exists.

And the wolf will dwell with the lamb,
And the leopard will lie down with the young goat,
And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little boy will lead them.
…
The wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox; and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will do no evil or harm in all My holy mountain,” says the LORD.

Isaiah 11:6, Isaiah 65:25

Peace

The Christmas season is often hectic. Finding peace in the midst of the shopping and cooking frenzy is not easy. When suffering makes it difficult to celebrate, such as for those experiencing grief, illness, or heartache, the festivities can even serve to exaggerate their pain. As part of our preparations, let us take time to still our souls and anticipate the coming of the One who brings “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:6-7).