I didn’t grow up in a church that celebrated Advent. I’ve searched out What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent? and then did a post each week following the themes of Advent: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, and then a special CHRISTMAS message from me.
Listen to the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Advent Series or the watch my Instagram Live Advent Series videos.
Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, PEACE
Soul H2O Devotions/Posts: What’s The Right Way To Celebrate Advent?
Advent Themes Posts: HOPE, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, and a special CHRISTMAS message from me.
Instagram Lives: Wednesdays at 12-12:10pm EST in December
Soul H2O Devotion
Peace… Lost in Translation
My friend Claudia Raymundo only moved to Canada when she was about eight. Claudia is a certified translator and has worked on government projects to put English documents into Spanish or vice-versa. Even with all her training, when we’re talking, it seems there will always come a time when she’ll say, “Oh, how do you say this in English?” and sometimes she says there’s really no way to translate this word or phrase in English, so she paints me a picture with her words as to what it means.
Sometimes it’s just difficult to translate words from one language to another. And the word for peace in Isaiah 9:6 is one of those words.
Translating Peace
The English word translated peace here is Shalom in the original Hebrew. It truly is one of those “lost in translation” words. All of our Bibles translate this word to say peace but there really isn’t just one word that aptly defines it. The original word includes all of these definitions: well, happy, friendly; welfare, health, prosperity, peace, (good) health, peace(peaceable, peaceably), prosper(prosperity, prosperous), quiet, tranquillity, contentment, rest, safe(safety), salute, welfare, well, wholly. ¹
Do you see how translating shalom as “just” peace falls short of the original intent of what Isaiah was trying to convey? Jesus is the Prince of Peace but He came to bring much more than peace… much, much more. In our modern language I think holistically healthy and peaceful would be a better way to describe this little word Shalom.
Real Peace
In Luke 2:8-14 the angels proclaim to the shepherds how the Messiah would bring Peace on earth for all men, when they said: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” it wasn’t just some airy-fairy beauty pageant wish for “World Peace”, but a boots-to-the-ground, reality-ready, peace. That doesn’t mean you won’t have difficult circumstances, but that God’s presence, Emmanuel, God with us would bring peace in the midst of chaos, loneliness, and hurt.
Jesus knew what it was like to go through times where he faced complete distress. In the garden of Eden, before His crucifixion, Jesus was under so much anguish that he sweated drops of blood, which we know now is medically possible when someone is that stressed out. The issue isn’t that Jesus stressed this much but that He didn’t stay there.
Through prayer, Jesus released this toxic stress and put His faith in the Father, amidst the most difficult of circumstances. As you read the account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion, you don’t see a man in worry, fear, or distress… He seems unrealistically calm and peaceful, not allowing the difficulties of life to steal the peace in His heart and mind.
Jesus got to the place of peace through struggle, so he could fully become your Prince of Peace. Now, it’s time for you to apply that peace to your life.
Prayer
Father… Thank You for understanding my need for peace and sending your son .Jesus, I thank You for being willing to come down to this earth and suffer, to be my peace. I ask for your holistically healthy and peaceful presence to invade my mind, emotions, and physical body. Let your true shalom bring peace to every area of my life. In Jesus Name…Amen
Join Me Weekly For Advent Talks
Through The Themes of Advent
Every Wednesday at 12-12:10pm EST
on Instagram Live
December 1(Hope), 8(Love), 15 (Joy), 22(Peace)

Verses to help fill up your well.
- 1. Isaiah 9:6
- 2. Luke 2:8-14
- 3. Ephesians 2:14
- 4. Colossians 1:20
Soul H2O Resources
*Are you a Christian woman struggling through a difficult situation, feeling alone, questioning God and yourself? Let me travel through the desert of your difficulty with you!
This course will help you grow to trust God with your heart and future, increase your freedom as you break unhealthy patterns, letting go of past or present hurts to trust your decision-making and believe in your value.
Want a Refreshing Inbox?
Get a FREE Soul H2O Book Sampler {and a coupon} when you Sign Up to Get the Soul H2O Devotions, Show Notifications, and updates from me!
Share With a Friend
#musicpic
#musicpic SONG: Light of the World by Lauren Daigle
Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/_cLhaZIBSpo
Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online
Soul H2O Spotify Playlist: Online | On App
Peace For The Holidays is a part of the Advent Series on the Soul H2O Radio & Podcast Show Episode #91.
You can find the Show Notes at http://www.soulh2o.com/91
Splash Online Event
Childlike Faith Series – Christmas Crackers
Expecting Good Gifts From God
Watch the recorded Facebook LIVE!
Join us in the Soul H2O Splash Facebook Group to watch the recorded live and be updated for the next live event.
Advent Inspiration for your Christmas Season
Devotions, Podcast Episodes, Recipes, Christmas Messages and more!
https://www.sherrystahl.com/advent-inspiration-for-your-christmas-season/
If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.
ENDNOTES
1. Bible Hub Website Accessed: December 1, 2021 Definition of Peace https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7965.htm
WHERE YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP MY BLOG WITH OR PLACES WHERE MY WRITING HAS BEEN FEATURED
