Recently I saw a music video by ThePianoGuys---a gifted pianist, an incredible cellist, an amazing videographer, and an insightful music producer. The piece was Angels We Have Heard On High, a very clever and fun rendition of the old carol. Then I saw their production of O Come, Emmanuel. Wow!

 

I love the music, visual presentation, and especially the passion these men bring to their work. And I appreciate their devotion to God, even though we see Him quite differently. These men are Mormon, and I, well, I'm not. So how we view Jesus and what we believe Him to be are not the same.

 

Don't misunderstand. This is not to bash Mormons or argue against their faith. Some of the finest people I've known are Mormon. But this Internet encounter with ThePianoGuys was another opportunity God brings me, in which He asks, "Do you know what you believe and why?" That got me to thinking.

 

In the Old Testament there's a beautiful declaration and prayer known as The Shema. It goes like this: Shema Yisrael, Adonai eloheinu, Adonai echad. For those of you, like me, who don't speak ancient Hebrew, it translates simply: Hear, O Israel, The Lord is our God, The Lord is one. These words come from the Torah, specifically Deuteronomy 6:4.

 

The Hebrew word for "one" (echad) describes a state of fullness and completeness. There is one and only one God. He is Lord of all. He is Sovereign. There is no other. Within this fullness and completeness there is no division or conflict...only harmony. And this harmony is the essence of Peace.

 

Another word speaks of such fullness and completeness---the Greek eirene. This refers to a deep and abiding peace. Within this fullness and completeness, there also is no division or conflict...only wholeness. And this wholeness is the essence of One.

 

There's a verse that has special importance for me---Luke 2:14. An angel announces to some shepherds that Christ, the Messiah, has been born in Bethlehem. Then suddenly many other angels appear, praising God, Glory to God in the highest, then saying...

 

and on earth peace among men with whom His favor rests.

 

Peace among men. There's that word eirene. This peace comes not by the effort or desire of man, but by the good will of God. This peace is not an idea or philosophy, not a wish or goal. This peace is full and complete, with harmony and wholeness.

 

This Peace shouts, Before Abraham was born, I AM! (John 8:58)

And this Peace proclaims, The Father and I are ONE! (John 10:30).

This One is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace! (Isaiah 9:6b)

 

This One, this eirene...this Peace, this echad...is

Jesus---Immanuel---God with us.

 

On a holy night long ago, the One true God came to earth and Peace dwelt among us.

 

I know what I believe and why. Do you? 

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