Is it possible to have peace on earth? Peace is defined as “freedom from disturbance; tranquility,” per Webster’s dictionary. I guess we could have our ear buds in, or noise-cancelling headphones on, and be oblivious to the world around us. We would be undisturbed and tranquil, even peaceful, for a little while.

In this final week of Advent, the candle lit reflects the PEACE our Savior and Lord came into this world to establish. The heavenly host praised God in the presence of the shepherds and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). This passage suggests there are those with whom the Lord is not pleased, who do not live into His peace. It seems there may be confusion around the peace we seek and the peace the Lord calls us to.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and grant you peace. – Numbers 6:24-26. The priestly blessing over the Israelites recorded in Numbers references “peace” as a translation of “shalom”. In its most expressive sense, shalom here means, “the positive state of rightness and well-being in the midst of battle.” We are not to be oblivious to the world around us. There are battles we are to be in the midst of. For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called … Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6. When Isaiah says the child will be called Prince of Peace, the reference is to a ruler who will offer a state of rightness and well-being to individuals and to society. This is rightness and well-being in obedience to the One True God. “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33. As with the disciples, in relationship with Jesus the Christ, we may have peace.  “Do not assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” – Matthew 10:34. The sword is the word of God (Eph.6:17). It can cut through the devil’s schemes, all the noise and division he stirs up. Jesus is the word become flesh (Jn.1:14). Battles exist around Jesus and around Christianity in this world that may not fit our understanding of peace. Yet, it is in relationship with Jesus the Christ that dads have the opportunity to live into a positive state of rightness and well-being, and pass it on to their children. In fact, it is a responsibility for dads to live into shalom and represent Jesus well in the home at CHRISTmas and always.

Tips to having Peace on Earth, living into shalom:

• Lead a family discussion around the biblical perspectives on peace;
• Read Matthew 10:34 and discuss what healthy conflict must be grounded in;
• Discuss battles that exist around Jesus the Christ in this world, when absolute truth meets a world that favors relative truth;
• During family gatherings, extend grace to individuals but stand firm on issues.

Prayer guide: Father, thank You for Your Son, the word become flesh. You know I like a good battle. The trouble is that most times I am driven by opinions I have formed based on my background. The result is loud conversation that ends in frustration and division. Forgive me. Help me extend grace, unconditional love for those I interact with at various gatherings. Equip me to love individuals while not compromising on issues. Keep me grounded in Your word and focused on living into shalom, Your peace this CHRISTmas. That is the dad You call me to be and that’s the dad my kids need to see. Amen.

A faithful father lives into shalom at CHRISTmas and always.