Peace be Unto You
“Prince of Peace” is a comforting name for Christ. It speaks of something that every saved soul longs for. The Hebrew word for peace, as you likely know, is Shalom. “Peace” is probably the best translation of Shalom that we can come up with. But the word means so much more than the absence of strife. It is a word with rich biblical importance.
“Shalom” is the greeting Jews extend to others, rather than a simple “hello.” “Peace be to you” is used as a word of greeting in some liturgical churches, an echo of Jesus’ post-resurrection words to the disciples upon their encounter with Him. The proper liturgical response is something like, “and to you as well.” Shalom is reflected in the name of the capital city, Jerusalem. It is the “city of peace.”
In the biblical sense, peace goes beyond a mere absence of strife. It is not simply what is not present – conflict - but what is present – a serenity and prosperity that births an inner joy that overflows into the out life. It has the idea of well-being and completion. Therefore, it is the result of a life that has been put back together, integrated, and whole.
Where does such peace come from? It comes from Him who is the Prince of Peace. In Christ, we first have peace with God and then we have the peace of God. Shalom is a blessing bestowed by Jesus. When Jesus said to the disciples, “peace be to you,” it wasn’t mere well-wishing. He, being the Prince of Peace, was bestowing on them, and on all who believe in Him, a spiritual reality. He is the One who makes peace possible and gives it as a gift of grace.
Peace be unto you.
And to you as well