Read Philippians 4:4-8.

It’s been more than two thousand years since an angel appeared to shepherds in a field outside of Bethlehem and proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). And yet, with each Christmas that comes, peace seems even more elusive than the previous year for those who have not encountered and embraced the true Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:6-7).

There is, however, a peace in which much of the world puts its hope, but it’s a deceptive peace. It’s an imitation of true peace—a temporary respite—that comes when we try to tranquilize our true longings with material possessions or intoxication. But this phony peace only brings destruction and further enslavement to a pattern of behavior that has no power to fulfill our deepest longings. Any feeling of relief it provides is inevitably temporary.

Another false peace native to this world actually originates from violence and subjugation. This “peace” is the silence that comes when opponents are put down, enslaved, or otherwise defeated. It’s the sort of “peace” that comes when all one's enemies have been conquered. Likewise, this false peace can occur when people remain silent in the face of evil. When people simply appease the wicked and allow them to continue to harm others in the name of “peace,” this is no true peace. These two forms of false peace are really two sides of the same coin—the same dark peace. The problem is tyrants are never satisfied and bullies do not respect weakness.

The only peace that lasts and infuses all aspects of life comes from above. It is a divine peace—and it is the peace Jesus brought to earth on that first Christmas all those years ago. It begins with having peace with God because, when a person has peace with God, then they can have peace of mind and peace of heart. With their conscience at peace, peace with others is possible, too.

When you receive Jesus, you receive His divine peace and the ability to apply it in your life by His Spirit at work in you. Just consider the power of this kind of peace: In the midst of a terrible storm, when the disciples were panicking, Jesus was sound asleep (see Mark 4:35-41). That is the peace that passes all understanding (see Philippians 4:7). It doesn’t make sense to the world, but that’s because it’s a peace from beyond this world—it’s a peace that flows from the sovereignty and love of your heavenly Father.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for coming down to bring us Your peace. May I see its fruit in my life as I rest in Your righteousness given to me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

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