December 23

Rev. Janise Matyas Smith, PCM+ Board Moderator

Isaiah 9: 2-7

Peace.

It’s a word we see a lot this time of year. Peace on Earth. Joy, Love,Peace. Walk into your local Target or Michaels and you will see this word written in glitter and gold.

But what does it mean? Peace. What are we hoping for when we say and sing of peace this Advent season?

I found myself in Isaiah 9 recently, a familiar passage duringChristmas, which begins with “The people who walked in darknesshave seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,on them a light has shone” Isaiah 9:2. And then comes this gloriouspassage of the child to come. The Message gave me new insight into one of the titles this child will carry.

For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll takeover the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. Hisruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholenesshe brings. Isaiah 9:6 The Message

Prince of Wholeness. We are use to hearing “Prince of Peace,” but the Hebrew word “shalom,” translated as “peace,” is broader than simplyan absence of conflict. It means completeness, wholeness, all around well-being.

Jesus has come to bring us complete and total wholeness. He has come and his authority continues to grow, and there is no limit to the wholeness and well-being he is bringing about in our lives!

Lord Jesus, come, and bring your shalom! Amen.