The Peace we Need
By Ryan Dawson
If there’s one word our world seems to be starving for these days, it’s peace.
We long for peace in our relationships. Peace in our hearts and minds. Peace in our neighbourhoods, cities, and nations. Peace in the swirling inner places where anxieties and fears try to take up too much space.
Advent invites us to pause and remember that peace isn’t something we manufacture—it’s Someone we receive.
Jesus is the peace we are looking for so desperately. The prophet Isaiah pointed us to this hope 800 years before Jesus was born: “And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)
Peace isn’t merely the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of Christ. It’s the Hebrew idea of shalom, which means wholeness, harmony, and restoration. Shalom means things are not just quiet… they are made right. Shalom is where nothing is broken, and everything is set right by the presence of God. And this is exactly what Jesus came to bring us.
In a world that feels anything but peaceful, Jesus offers us His own peace—not a fragile, temporary calm, but a deep, steady assurance grounded in His presence and power. Jesus tells us…“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.” John 14:27 (NLT)
This Advent, maybe you’re carrying worries about the future. Maybe you’re weary from conflict, grief, or uncertainty. Maybe your soul feels pulled in a dozen directions. To be honest this is how I feel in this moment — hurried, distracted, and a slave to my ever-growing to-do list. Can you relate? It’s into this space that we need to hear the gentle voice of Jesus: “Don’t be troubled… I’m giving you My peace.”
When the angels appeared to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, they proclaimed a message we still desperately need: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NLT) The peace of God arrived wrapped in swaddling cloths, and was lying in a manger. Peace became a person. Peace walked our dusty roads, touched broken lives, died on a cross for our sin, and conquered death for us by rising from the grave.
This is why Paul could later write: “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” Philippians 4:7 (NLT) The peace that Christ offers is greater than our understanding—greater even than the chaos around us or in us.
So how do we receive Christ’s peace this week?
• Pause to be with Jesus. Peace grows when we welcome God’s presence.
• Pour out your worries. God invites you to give Him your worries and burdens.
• Practice gratitude. Peace often flows when we remember God’s goodness in tangible ways.
• Pursue reconciliation. As we experience Christ’s peace God shapes us into peacemakers.
And maybe most importantly: Rest in the truth that God is with you. He is Immanuel. God with us. God with you.
Grace & Peace, Ryan
If there’s one word our world seems to be starving for these days, it’s peace.
We long for peace in our relationships. Peace in our hearts and minds. Peace in our neighbourhoods, cities, and nations. Peace in the swirling inner places where anxieties and fears try to take up too much space.
Advent invites us to pause and remember that peace isn’t something we manufacture—it’s Someone we receive.
Jesus is the peace we are looking for so desperately. The prophet Isaiah pointed us to this hope 800 years before Jesus was born: “And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (NLT)
Peace isn’t merely the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of Christ. It’s the Hebrew idea of shalom, which means wholeness, harmony, and restoration. Shalom means things are not just quiet… they are made right. Shalom is where nothing is broken, and everything is set right by the presence of God. And this is exactly what Jesus came to bring us.
In a world that feels anything but peaceful, Jesus offers us His own peace—not a fragile, temporary calm, but a deep, steady assurance grounded in His presence and power. Jesus tells us…“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.” John 14:27 (NLT)
This Advent, maybe you’re carrying worries about the future. Maybe you’re weary from conflict, grief, or uncertainty. Maybe your soul feels pulled in a dozen directions. To be honest this is how I feel in this moment — hurried, distracted, and a slave to my ever-growing to-do list. Can you relate? It’s into this space that we need to hear the gentle voice of Jesus: “Don’t be troubled… I’m giving you My peace.”
When the angels appeared to the shepherds on that first Christmas night, they proclaimed a message we still desperately need: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NLT) The peace of God arrived wrapped in swaddling cloths, and was lying in a manger. Peace became a person. Peace walked our dusty roads, touched broken lives, died on a cross for our sin, and conquered death for us by rising from the grave.
This is why Paul could later write: “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” Philippians 4:7 (NLT) The peace that Christ offers is greater than our understanding—greater even than the chaos around us or in us.
So how do we receive Christ’s peace this week?
• Pause to be with Jesus. Peace grows when we welcome God’s presence.
• Pour out your worries. God invites you to give Him your worries and burdens.
• Practice gratitude. Peace often flows when we remember God’s goodness in tangible ways.
• Pursue reconciliation. As we experience Christ’s peace God shapes us into peacemakers.
And maybe most importantly: Rest in the truth that God is with you. He is Immanuel. God with us. God with you.
Grace & Peace, Ryan