The Israelites anticipated and waited for peace. God promised them abundance and peace if they were faithful to Him but, behold, they blew it over and over again. In acts of defiance they followed the Baals, living in complete rebellion and oppressing their neighbors. Isaiah prophesied about the person who would return to God and be devoted to Him: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3 ESV). Though Jesus said that he didn’t come to bring peace but a sword, he also said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Before Jesus came to Earth, people were waiting for the consolation of Israel. They waited in anticipation of better days when they would be rescued. The prophetess Anna gave thanks to God when Jesus was born and began “to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Jesus brought, and still brings, peace to all who abide in him.
He has already overcome the world. In a world that is full of tribulations, Jesus is our only hope. He is the only way to God. He is the way, the truth, and the life. When our neighbors are distraught, we owe it to them to introduce Jesus to them. We have abundant opportunity to love and help our neighbors, inviting them to share in the peace that only Christ can bring.