From the very beginning, God promised that peace was coming near. Balaam’s prophecy in Numbers 24:17–19 spoke of a star rising and a ruler who would bring victory and lasting peace to God’s people. Centuries later, that promise was announced in Bethlehem’s night sky and eight days later Simeon held the baby Jesus and declared in Luke 2:29–30 that his eyes had finally seen God’s salvation. Peace is not far off, someday, somewhere—it has a face, a name, and it has drawn near 

to us in Christ. The prophets announced it, Simeon confirmed it, and now we have the choice to receive it.