For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:19-20
For the most part, the peace Christ gives Christians in the present is an inner peace. Christ may very well save us from enemies, reconcile us with those we have become estranged from, or provide for us a season of financial security. God can and sometimes does do such things.
We also know from the scriptures that sometimes he does not. Sometimes enemies have their way with us. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, relationships fail. Sometimes, instead of green pastures, the people of God must walk throug the valley of the shadow of death.
Whether in days of plenty or days of want, Christians can be at peace because they know God is with them. They also know that God is for them. Christmas reminds us of both truths. The God who was far off has drawn near in the person of Christ. He is Immanuel, God with us. He has not come to condemn, but to save, going so far as to give himself for us. He is for us.
Therefore, no matter our present circumstances, we can be a people whose hearts know the peace of Christ.
Let us always remember that inner peace is not all God promises to give. One day, God will finish the work that Christ began on the cross by redeeming all things. All things includes those who have put their faith in him, but it also includes the rest of creation.
In ways we can’t now comprehend, the heavens and the earth will be made new. Hatred, evil, heartache, and even death itself will be banished forever and ever. All the troubles we have known in this life will become the stuff old dreams.
At the coming of Christ, the peace we have known in our souls will be the reality we experience in the whole of creation. It won’t just be our hearts at peace, all shall be well.
Jesus Christ, you are the Prince of Peace. We long for the day when you come again and your peace reigns over all things. Until that day, help us to be ambassadors of reconcillation, sowing seeds of your peaceful kingdom wherever we are. Amen.
“O Day of Peace,” by Josh Garrels. See Isaiah 1:1-11.
TaylorSandlin.com 
Thank you for your wonderful advent thoughts. I also like all the songs, some I know, but others I’ve never heard. Thank you for expanding my musical knowledge.
God has been walking with me through very deep waters, but the peace He has given is what I lean on whether I’m weary or not. I praise God for His peace and I thank you for reminding us how deep that peace can run.
Sally, I’m grateful the posts have been helpful. Lifting you in my prayers this morning.
Great comments today. They tie in with the study of the Holy Spirit we just completed. The indwelling gives us the peace and assurance which strengthens us in the face of adversity.
Thanks, Bob!