Finding Peace in Advent: Exploring Micah 5:5 and Christ's Promise of Peace
“And he shall be their peace.” Micah 5:5
On this second Sunday of Advent, we move closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth. Today we light the second Advent candle, which is the candle of peace. Peace is one of the deepest longings of the human heart. In a world filled with division, turmoil, and uncertainty, the promise of peace through Jesus Christ stands as a beacon of hope for weary hearts.
The prophet Micah foretold the birth of a ruler who would come from Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant village in Israel. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2). This ruler, the Messiah, would shepherd his people with the strength and majesty of the Lord. He would bring security and peace to the ends of the earth.
Verse 5 proclaims, “And he shall be their peace.” This peace is not just the absence of conflict but a deep and abiding peace that is rooted in the presence and reign of God himself. The peace promised by the prophet is both personal and cosmic. It is personal because it reconciles us to God, bridging the chasm caused by sin. It is cosmic because it points to a future where Christ’s reign brings harmony to all creation.
Many centuries after Micah’s prophecy, Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, stood before his disciples. Just before his death on the cross, he left them a great gift – his peace. He said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27). Here, Jesus makes a distinction between his peace and the peace the world offers. Worldly peace is often fleeting and dependent on external circumstances. In contrast, Christ’s peace is enduring and rooted in his presence, regardless of life’s challenges. This peace comes from knowing that, no matter what storms we face, we are held securely in God’s love.
In a season marked by busyness and stress, Christ’s peace calms our anxious hearts. Let us remember to pray and to be regular in God’s word so that we can find strength in his Spirit and encouragement from his promises. Let us also remember that Jesus calls us to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). When we extend forgiveness, seek reconciliation, and strive to reflect Christ’s peace in our relationships, we live as disciples of Jesus.
This Advent season also points us to the second coming of Christ, when he will fully establish his kingdom of peace. As we wait for the fulfillment of that promise, we live as witnesses to the peace of Christ, trusting that his reign will bring its ultimate realization.
Micah declared that Christ is our peace. Indeed he is. Let us live in his peace, embrace reconciliation and forgiveness, and allow his peace to shape our world.