Praying for the World December 15, 2025 Issue

Finding peace

Beth Schaefer

In a year that’s seemed to have had its share of tumult, it’s likely that many are yearning to glimpse and feel the deep peace that the true meaning of Christmas promises—to see at least hints of peace displace unconscionable war and political violence, as well as other outcomes of anger, hatred, greed, and ill intent.

How can we start to glimpse this peace? The biblical prophet Isaiah foretold the advent of the deliverer of peace. During his time, when the world was rocked by political instability, war, and destruction, he prophesied the coming of a Savior, the Messiah or Christ, who would bring peace to the world: “Unto us a child is born, . . . and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called . . . The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Then, upon Jesus’ birth several centuries later, angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). What is this peace, and how can we avail ourselves of it today?

In his life and healing ministry, Jesus brought to light the peace-giving power of Christ, the spiritual truth of God’s unchanging, wholly good government. Right where darkened human consciousness saw discord and strife, Jesus recognized something else—the truth that God, divine Love, was and is the only real power governing the universe. This enabled Jesus to, for instance, walk through an angry crowd that wanted to kill him, as well as to still a storm that threatened to capsize the boat he was in with his disciples.

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