Advent blog – December 11

In our society today we often give our children names that have significant meaning. Back in the days of the first Christmas families gave children names that had special meaning or reflected their character. So it is with Jesus. Known by many names each one conjures up a different picture and helps us at different stages of our lives. Over the last three days I have focussed on Him as Wonderful Counsellor, Almighty God and Everlasting Father. Now it is Prince of Peace. the last name in the four mentioned in the book of Isaiah. 

What comes to mind when you think of peace? Is it an absence of war, a blissful silence, a lack of stress?

The Hebrew word for peace is “shalom.” This phrase appears more than 200 times in the Old Testament of the Bible. Basically it means calmness, quietness, freedom from anxiety, tranquility. The root meaning of shalom is “to be whole.” Shalom describes a “state of being at ease.” It pictures a condition in which people “feel at ease or comfortable with each other.”

That was the message that the angels sang to the shepherds, “Peace on earth, goodwill to all men”. That is what Jesus offers as a gift, not just for Christmas but for life.

This is something that I need during these uncertain times. Do you want this too? Why not try each morning to say these words? “ Today God, I would like to feel shalom. Please send me Your peace.”

Feel free to contact me through our info@thewateringhole.org.uk and I will do my best to answer your questions.