The Gift of Peace: Finding Wholeness in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The True Meaning of Peace—Wholeness and Restoration in Christ

To have peace, as described in Scripture, is not merely the absence of conflict but the experience of being made whole, restored, and complete. In the biblical context, peace—shalom—means that every part of your life is brought into harmony, both with God and with others. This peace is a gift from God, not something we can manufacture on our own. Jesus is the one who completes us, filling the God-shaped hole in our hearts and restoring our relationship with our Creator. If you ever feel incomplete or restless, remember that true peace is found only in Jesus, who offers wholeness to all who come to Him. [43:49]

Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel incomplete or restless, and how might you invite Jesus to fill that space with His peace today?

Day 2: Seeking and Finding God—The Promise of His Presence

God promises that when you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him. No matter how distant you may feel or how lost you may seem, God is always within reach, ready to restore and bring you back. This assurance is not just for a select few but for anyone who earnestly desires to know Him. Even if you feel like you have drifted away or are struggling to sense His presence, God’s invitation remains: seek Him, and He will be found. He delights in drawing near to those who earnestly pursue Him, and He promises not to disappoint. [59:52]

Jeremiah 29:13-14 (ESV)
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to seek God with your whole heart this week, and what is one step you can take today to move closer to Him?

Day 3: Jesus, the Peacemaker—Peace Beyond the Absence of Conflict

Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker, and He calls His followers to be peacemakers as well. Peacemaking is not simply about avoiding conflict or keeping the peace at any cost; it is about actively working toward restoration, truth, and wholeness, even when it is difficult or costly. Sometimes, pursuing true peace means confronting uncomfortable truths or addressing injustices, just as Jesus did. Real peace is about putting God first, even if it shakes things up, and allowing Him to restore what is broken in us and in our relationships. [56:10]

Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation in your life where God is calling you to be a peacemaker rather than just a peacekeeper, and what courageous step could you take toward restoration?

Day 4: God’s Generous Care—Letting Go of Worry and Trusting His Provision

God knows your needs and cares for you deeply, inviting you to let go of worry and trust in His generous provision. Just as He cares for the birds of the air, He values you even more and promises to provide for you. Worry cannot add a single hour to your life, but trusting in God’s care brings a deep sense of peace and security. When you feel anxious about your needs or your future, remember that your heavenly Father sees you, loves you, and is more than able to provide. [50:52]

Matthew 6:25-27 (ESV)
Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Reflection: What is one specific worry you can entrust to God today, and how might you practice trusting Him with your needs this week?

Day 5: Partnership with God—Building Enduring Peace with Others

True peacebuilding is a joint venture with God, made possible only when we are first restored in our relationship with Him. We cannot build lasting peace with others unless we are in partnership with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide and empower us. This means repenting, seeking God’s help, and then moving toward reconciliation with others. As we bring the peacemaker—Jesus—to the table of our relationships, we become agents of real, enduring peace, one relationship at a time. [58:47]

2 Corinthians 5:18 (ESV)
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

Reflection: Who is one person with whom you need to seek reconciliation, and how can you invite God’s Spirit to help you take the first step toward peace?

Sermon Summary

The story of Christmas is not just a tale of angels and shepherds, but a profound declaration of peace—God’s peace—breaking into our world. As we approach Christmas, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and nostalgia, but the angelic proclamation in Luke 2 is a radical promise: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” Yet, when we look around, true peace often seems elusive. Wars rage, relationships fracture, and our own hearts can feel restless and incomplete.

To understand this peace, we must return to its biblical roots. In the Old Testament, “peace” (shalom) is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of wholeness, restoration, and completeness. The priestly blessing in Numbers 6—“The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace”—was a gift, a divine act of restoration between God and his people. Today, through Jesus, we are offered this same peace, not through rituals or sacrifices, but as a gift of grace. Jesus is the one who completes us, who fills the God-shaped hole in our hearts, and who restores our relationship with our Creator.

Life is full of “munted pieces”—brokenness, regrets, and gaps we try to fill with things that don’t fit. Like a jigsaw puzzle with a missing or damaged piece, we can feel incomplete. But Jesus is the missing piece, the only one who can truly make us whole. This peace is not passive; it’s not just about keeping the status quo or avoiding conflict. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, not just peacekeepers or peacebuilders. Peacemaking can be costly—it may require hard conversations, confronting injustice, or even disrupting the status quo for the sake of restoration.

Jesus himself said he did not come to bring peace as the world defines it, but a sword—because true peace sometimes means putting God first, even when it causes tension. Peacemaking is active, sometimes gentle, sometimes bold, but always rooted in love and truth. We cannot build lasting peace with others until we are at peace with God, and this comes through seeking him with all our hearts. As we follow Jesus, the ultimate Peacemaker, we are invited to bring his shalom into our relationships, our communities, and our world—one restored relationship at a time.

Key Takeaways

1. True peace is wholeness, not just quiet Biblical peace (shalom) is about being made whole and restored, not simply the absence of conflict. It is a deep, God-given completeness that touches every part of our lives, even in the midst of chaos. This peace is a gift from God, available to us through Jesus, who fills the gaps and mends the brokenness in our hearts. [37:03]
2. Jesus is the missing piece in our lives No matter how we try to fill the emptiness or fix our “munted pieces,” only Jesus can truly complete us. Our attempts to find satisfaction elsewhere leave us restless and unsatisfied, but Christ offers a peace that restores our relationship with God and gives us lasting purpose and value. [43:49]
3. Peacemaking is active and sometimes costly Being a peacemaker, as Jesus calls us to be, is not about avoiding conflict or simply keeping the peace. It often requires courage to address wrongs, speak truth, and pursue restoration, even when it’s uncomfortable or disruptive. True peacemaking may shake things up, but it leads to genuine healing and wholeness. [54:59]
4. Restoration with God precedes peace with others We cannot build real, enduring peace with others until we are first restored to God. This partnership with the Holy Spirit is essential; it empowers us to forgive, to seek reconciliation, and to love beyond our own strength. Seeking God wholeheartedly is the foundation for all other peacemaking. [58:17]
5. Jesus’ peace is offered daily—receive and share it Jesus greeted and parted with “Shalom Lachem—peace be with you.” His peace is not a one-time event, but a daily invitation to receive and extend wholeness to others. As we go about our lives, we are called to follow his example, bringing peace into every interaction and relationship. [61:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:17] - Greeting and Opening Prayer
[32:55] - Countdown to Christmas
[33:13] - Recap of Christmas Series
[33:50] - The Angel Song and Joy
[34:46] - The Multitude of Angels
[35:23] - Reading Luke 2:10-14
[36:07] - The Promise of Peace
[37:03] - Understanding Biblical Peace
[41:16] - Old Testament Peace Offerings
[42:46] - The Priestly Blessing
[43:49] - Jesus as Our Peace
[45:02] - The Jigsaw Puzzle Metaphor
[48:22] - The God-Shaped Hole
[49:06] - Scripture on Seeking God
[51:17] - Our Significance in Christ
[52:25] - Peacemaking vs. Peacekeeping
[54:59] - Jesus’ Surprising Words on Peace
[57:57] - Peacebuilding with the Holy Spirit
[59:52] - Seeking God for True Peace
[61:15] - Shalom: Receiving and Sharing Peace

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Peace of Christmas**

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### Bible Reading

**Luke 2:10-14 (ESV)**
> And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

**Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)**
> The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

**Matthew 10:34-36 (ESV)**
> “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.”

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### Observation Questions

In Luke 2:14, what kind of peace do the angels announce at Jesus’ birth? How is this different from just “no fighting”? ([35:23])
According to Numbers 6:24-26, what is the source of true peace for God’s people? ([42:46])
In Matthew 10:34-36, Jesus says he did not come to bring peace, but a sword. What does this mean in the context of his ministry? ([54:59])
The sermon uses the image of a “munted” (broken) puzzle piece and a missing piece. What do these images represent in our lives? ([45:41])

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### Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that biblical peace (shalom) is about wholeness and restoration, not just quiet or calm. Why is this distinction important for understanding what Jesus offers? ([37:03])
The priestly blessing in Numbers 6 is described as a gift of peace from God. How does Jesus fulfill or change the way we receive this peace today? ([43:15])
Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:34-36 seem to contradict the idea of peace. How can following Jesus sometimes lead to conflict, and why might this be necessary for true restoration? ([54:59])
The sermon says we can’t build lasting peace with others until we are at peace with God. Why do you think restoration with God must come first? ([58:17])

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### Application Questions

The sermon describes “munted pieces” in our lives—brokenness, regrets, or things that don’t fit. What is one “munted piece” in your life that you try to fix or hide? How might you invite Jesus to bring wholeness to that area? ([46:09])
When you feel restless or incomplete, what are some things you turn to instead of Jesus? How have those things left you unsatisfied? ([44:08])
Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, not just peacekeepers. Can you think of a relationship or situation where you have been avoiding a hard conversation for the sake of “keeping the peace”? What would it look like to be a peacemaker instead? ([54:40])
The sermon says peacemaking can be costly and sometimes means confronting injustice or disrupting the status quo. Is there a situation in your life or community where you sense God calling you to take a stand for restoration, even if it’s uncomfortable? ([56:10])
The message says we can’t build real peace with others until we are restored to God. Is there an area where you need to seek God’s forgiveness or restoration before you can reconcile with someone else? ([58:47])
Jesus greeted and parted with “Shalom Lachem—peace be with you.” What is one practical way you can bring peace into your daily interactions this week—at home, work, or in your community? ([01:01:15])
The sermon mentions seeking God “with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13-14). What would it look like for you to seek God wholeheartedly this Christmas season? ([49:29])

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Sermon Clips

If you crave that need to feel complete or feel whole, then a healthy, consistent relationship with Jesus is essential. He's within reach. But we need to make the first move. In faith, we need to step out. And yes, it can be scary. But he says here, Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my right hand. It's scary, but it doesn't have to be. [00:48:38] (51 seconds)

Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It's about wholeness, completeness, things and relationships being restored. The most important relationship that we can have is our relationship with God. And sometimes in our striving for that, there is conflict. In this passage, Jesus is not condoning violence. That's not what he's doing here. Instead, he is saying that in your quest, you must put God first. And in doing that, you might shake things up a bit. In the process of peacemaking, things are exposed that may need to be talked about. [00:55:42] (53 seconds) #JesusCleansesTemple

Peacemaking can sometimes be about righting a wrong or speaking up for someone else. And in this case, it was his father. It can mean telling the truth for the good of others, even if it costs you personally. Peacemaking is active, but it can be gentle. Maybe we are required, we may be required to put the needs of others first, not by being a doormat. Not by being a doormat. Not fighting to win, but fighting for love. It's about picking your battles and choosing peace over being right. [00:57:14] (41 seconds) #PeaceBuildingTogether

Peacemaking is active, but it can be gentle. Maybe we are required, we may be required to put the needs of others first, not by being a doormat. Not by being a doormat. Not fighting to win, but fighting for love. It's about picking your battles and choosing peace over being right. Let's go on to peace building. This is the goal. Peace is built. When it is built, there is shalom. But we can't do it on our own. In our weakness, we don't have the God-level love and understanding that is needed for real peace. [00:57:29] (46 seconds)

Peace building is a joint venture. And we cannot partner with somebody that we do not know. Partnership with God comes first. It is a prerequisite for peace building with others, which is why we sometimes have to fight for it. That's why this weird statement that Jesus made about needing a sword now makes sense. We can't restore a relationship with others until we have restoration with God. So if we're distanced from our brother or our sister, we need to get right with God first. Repent. Say sorry. Then go back to your brother and sort it out with the Holy Spirit's help. [00:58:27] (50 seconds)

We can't restore a relationship with others until we have restoration with God. So if we're distanced from our brother or our sister, we need to get right with God first. Repent. Say sorry. Then go back to your brother and sort it out with the Holy Spirit's help. The Holy Spirit wants to help. If you are a person who is seeking God, and there may be some of you that are in that situation, if you are open and you're asking questions, you already have his attention. [00:58:53] (39 seconds) #SeekAndYouWillFind

So if you're struggling with peace in your relationships with God, look his way, my friends, and seek him. Bring the peacemaker to the table of negotiation with you, and together we can, one person at a time, one relationship at a time, start to build real, enduring peace. And I think back to those angels, and I wonder, when they made that first announcement, whether or not they would know that there would still be good news thousands of years later. It is. Jesus, the peacemaker, offered his peace every single day. [01:00:21] (45 seconds) #JesusPeaceEveryday

When he met people, when he left people and said goodbye, his greeting and his parting words were this, Shalom Lachem. Peace be with you. And we can be peacemakers too, can't we? We can follow his example. And as you leave and you mingle with others, as you go out, or if you're online and you turn off and you go to mix with your family, let's greet and say goodbye to people just as Jesus did. And I'll do the same. Peace be with you. [01:01:05] (36 seconds)

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