The Hebrew word “shalom” is usually translated “peace”, but this does not do justice to the word. Shalom is not just tranquility or lack of conflict as the English word suggests, it’s the health and wholeness that flows through a life or community when things are working together as God intends them to work.
This kind of peace starts with a serious reordering of our disordered world. And so, when Mary speaks of the coming of the Prince of Peace, she declares:
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud
in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:51-55
When this peace arrives:
- The proud oppressors are scattered,
- the arrogant rulers are fired
- and humble servants are lifted up and put in authority.
- the hungry are fed
- and the rich have to go without for a change.
But we who are proud, arrogant, rich and in charge, don’t want to hear about this kind of peace. We benefit from the disorder of the world. We want the peace that brings tranquility, protects us from conflict, and maintains the disorder we love.
And That’s where All the trouble starts.
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