The fourth candle is the Candle of Peace. We think of peace as the absence of conflict or a tranquil state, both feel rather passive. The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, meaning “to be whole, to live well.” It encompasses health, interpersonal harmony, prosperity, and victory over enemies, completeness and safety. Shalom, used as a greeting or farewell, is a blessing: “May your life be filled with health, prosperity, and victory.” All this in one word.
As with Joy, peace is a gift and begins with Jehovah-Shalom, the God of Peace. In his book, The Purpose of Christmas, Rick Warren speaks of three aspects of Peace: “Peace with God, peace with others, and peace in your own heart.”
God made open the door to peace when His Son died on the cross. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1 New International Version)
A great many people are trying to make peace,
but that has already been done. God has not left it for us to do;
all we have to do – is to enter into it.”
Katherine Walden
Our part is just to accept that gift.
Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27 Living Bible)
Because of the empty tomb, we have peace.
Because of His resurrection, we can have peace during even the most troubling of times because we know
He is in control of all that happens in the world.
Paul Chappell
Now, may the Lord himself, the Lord of peace, pour into you his peace in every circumstance and in every possible way. The Lord’s tangible presence be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 The Passion Translation
If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble.
When there is a storm without, He will make peace within.
The world can create trouble in peace,
but God can create peace in trouble.
Thomas Watson
