Peace isn’t just a ceasefire or a moratorium from conflict—political or relational. It’s not just a tenuous armistice between opposing factions, uncertain and fragile. When people argue, we can’t say that there’s peace if they stop communicating in order not to fight. Parents don’t want their kids to just not fight with their siblings but rather love, laugh, enjoy and cultivate the relationship.

Peace is a dynamic harmony in which people thrive, relationships reconcile, the broken are healed, and where there is no fear. In peace, life flourishes. However, in a world full of conflict, homes that are often chaotic, and personal relationships that are strained, how can this peace be achieved? It seems so elusive as life moves at a frenetic pace and the circumstances threaten to overwhelm us—perhaps especially in the busy-ness of the Christmas Season.

But this peace is not achieved but rather received. Peace, true peace of mind and heart, is a gift that Jesus leaves to His followers; this peace is otherworldly. It’s not a peace that can come from this world. You can’t find it in money, the “perfect” family, a new job, the dream home, the most festive Christmas party or anything of the like.

The Prince of Peace came so that we might first be reconciled with God, finding true peace in our Father, through the Son. This peace is rooted in the Person of Christ, His Sovereign Lordship, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. This peace isn’t dependent on this world.

There is resolute strength in true peace, a steadfastness and inner stability, regardless of external circumstances and situations that we cannot control. This season we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace who embraces all those who desire the peace that only He can give.

So, let’s receive this peace. May we not be troubled or afraid. May His peace reign in our hearts and be our steadfast assurance of Immanuel.