Most of us have heard of this word, Shalom, meaning peace. However, if we look more deeply into the Hebrew definition for shalom, we will find that this word symbolizes much more than the English meaning.
Shalom means wholeness and perfection, specifically the restoration of something back to perfect peace and wholeness. Shalom takes what is missing and restores it back to completeness. Breaking the word down, even more, it really means reconciliation with God. Jesus came to bring peace by restoring to the broken relationship between God and man. Isaiah defines how the Messiah will bring peace (shalom) in the following passage;
“Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds, we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4-5)
During the Christmas season, we look forward to the coming of Messiah, the Prince of Peace, who will usher in a lasting peace on earth.
We as Christians are also called to create peace and be a people of peace. We are called to restore relationships here on earth as it is in heaven. I love this next excerpt from Tim Keller's article entitled "Shalom" in The Bible Theology Study Bible.
"Jesus also brings us the peace of God — peace within. It is possible to have a feeling of peace so deep that we can be content in any circumstance, even in times of great difficulty (Philippians 4:12–13). The peace of Christ is so closely related to joy (John 15:11; Romans 15:13) that we might say that joy is God’s peace and reconciliation lived out. Jesus brings us peace with other human beings. Our peace with and from God gives us the resources to maintain unity and love with others through continual forgiveness and patience (Colossians 3:13–15). Christ is our peace, and by his death on the cross, he removes even the high racial and cultural barriers that divide us (Ephesians 2:11–22)."
Relationship, true relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ brings perfect peace that passes all understanding.
"For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace."