Simeon was an old man in the temple when Mary, Joseph brought their baby Jesus to be dedicated. After seeing Jesus he said he could “be dismissed in peace.” The peace that meeting Jesus brings is Shalom, the ancient Hebrew word that is a blessing of wholeness, completeness, restoration and redemption. So often we define peace as absence of conflict. The Peace that Jesus brings is far deeper and fuller; it is Shalom.
sermon: Shining Jesus’s Peace in a Dark World (John 14:27 and Phil 4:7) with Rev. David Donaldson
Soul-Deep Peace: Rediscovering Shalom This Christmas
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” — John 14:27
As we enter this Advent season, the longing for peace feels more urgent than ever. We live in what some have called “the age of hate”—an era marked by division, polarization, and hostility. Against this backdrop, the angel’s proclamation at Jesus’ birth sounds almost radical: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:14).
But what kind of peace are we talking about? It’s certainly more than the absence of conflict. True peace—the peace Jesus offers—is soul-deep. It’s a wholeness that restores what was broken, a completeness that echoes God’s original design for creation.
What Is Shalom?
The Hebrew word shalom is often translated as “peace,” but its meaning runs far deeper. At its root, shalam means “to restore” or “to make whole.” In Exodus, it describes restitution—making right what has gone wrong. Applied to life with God, shalom is about restoring the fullness of life as He intended: harmony, justice, joy, and love.
This is the peace Jesus brings—a peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7). It’s not a shallow substitute or a fleeting calm. It’s a light breaking into darkness, a candle lit in the soul.
Simeon’s Song of Peace
Consider Simeon, the elderly man who waited his whole life to see the Messiah. When he finally held the Christ child in his arms, he prayed:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation…” (Luke 2:29–30).
Simeon’s peace was not circumstantial—it was rooted in God’s promise fulfilled. That same promise is offered to us today. In Christ, we find restoration, redemption, and reconciliation. We find shalom.
Living as Shalom-Makers
Christmas reminds us that peace is both a gift and a calling. Jesus came to restore wholeness, and now we are invited to reflect that peace in our relationships, communities and world. Even in a culture of hostility, we can be agents of restoration—living out soul-deep peace here and now while anticipating the ultimate renewal of all things.
This Advent, let’s embrace the Prince of Peace. Let’s allow His light to flood the dark corners of our hearts and our world. And let’s echo Simeon’s words with confidence:
“Lord, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.”