As we move through the Advent season, one of the most profound gifts we are invited to reflect on is peace. Yet, if we’re honest, Christmas often feels like anything but peaceful. Between the demands of shopping, family gatherings, and year-end responsibilities, this time of year can become a whirlwind of activity that leaves us feeling anything but calm.

But what if we paused? What if, in the midst of our busyness, we took time to reflect on the peace that Jesus came to bring? This has been a great way of finding peace during Christmas throughout my life.

Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus as the Prince of Peace, a title that reminds us of His ultimate mission: to reconcile us to God and offer a peace that transcends all understanding. This peace is not just a fleeting feeling or the absence of conflict. It’s a deep, abiding assurance that with Jesus on our side, there is nothing that can truly stand against us.

This is the meaning of peace in Advent.

Peace Through Jesus’ Presence

Jesus’ peace is unique because it is not dependent on our circumstances. In John 14:27, Jesus tells His disciples:

This peace is not like the temporary calm the world offers. I appreciate the calm the world offers, when it has any to offer. Today, my wife and I kayaked in Silver Springs, one of the calmest and most peaceful places I’ve been in a long time. We were blessed to be splashing around with at least a dozen manatees, not to mention many sea turtles and a wide variety of exotic birds.

But sadly, it’s only temporary. We packed up and drove back into our regular lives.

This is nothing like the peace that Jesus offers. His peace is rooted in His presence. It’s a peace that comes from knowing that no matter what we face, He is with us and for us. We don’t have to drive a long way to find His peace, and that’s one of the beautiful things about it. We can carry it with us, if we can get out of our own way to find it within us.

Paul echoes this promise in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, saying:

Through the gift of His presence, Jesus offers us peace in every moment and every situation.

Peace Despite Challenges

Life is rarely smooth sailing. We face trials, uncertainties, and moments of profound loss. But the peace of Christmas is a reminder that we don’t face these challenges alone. With Jesus on our side, we can live with confidence, knowing that no obstacle is too great for Him. Through his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul reminds us:

This truth anchors our hearts. No matter what comes our way, Jesus is our defender, comforter, and source of strength. His peace is not an absence of hardship but a presence that calms our hearts in the midst of it.

Isaiah 54:10 beautifully captures the enduring nature of God’s peace:

Even when the world feels chaotic and uncertain, God’s peace remains steady.

Taking Time to Embrace His Peace

One of the great ironies of Christmas is that we rarely think of it as a season of peace. Our calendars fill up, our to-do lists grow longer, and we become consumed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But the peace of Christmas invites us to step away from the noise and rest in the presence of the Prince of Peace.

This season, will you make space to reflect on His peace? This has been my focus throughout the week, and I plan to continue. Whether it’s through a quiet moment of prayer, reading scripture, or simply pausing to remember that He is with us, these moments can help us reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas. Here’s something else I like to do: when a particularly meaningful Christmas song (i.e., one that actually talks about Jesus’ arrival) comes on, I take a moment to step into its peace. I imagine how I would feel if I were there on that holy, silent night. I stare into the face of the baby who came to bring me peace and save me from myself. You can use this approach to turn many Christmas songs into Christian devotions during the holidays.

Jesus didn’t come to add to our busyness—He came to bring us rest, comfort, and quiet confidence in the midst of life’s challenges. His peace isn’t just for serene moments when we can escape to a river, a garden, or a forest; it’s a daily gift that equips us to face whatever comes our way with courage and trust. This is what it means to understand Jesus as the Prince of Peace.

Conclusion

This Christmas, will you embrace the peace that Jesus offers? I have been working on this, and plan to keep it up. Let’s set aside the distractions and the demands and remember that the Prince of Peace came to reconcile us to God and give us hope for the future.

Take time this season to rest in His presence and reflect on His promises. Remember that His peace is always available to you—not just during the quiet moments but in the chaos of life as well. With Jesus on your side, there is no challenge too great and no storm too fierce.

May the peace of Christmas bring you comfort, strength, and joy—not just during this Advent season, but every day throughout the year.