Do you feel it? I am certain we all do. That we live in a broken world. Recently I watched a video in which the world in which we live was called a VUCA World. The initials V.U.C.A. mean “Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous.” Over this past year we have been reminded just how broken our world is with the Coronavirus pandemic. Because of this invisible enemy our entire world has become volatile and explosive. Life at the best of times is uncertain but this pandemic has made all our lives even more precarious and unpredictable. Simple things such as shopping or visiting friends becomes more complex and the nagging questions, “Should we go or should we stay home? Is this too many people? Do we need wear a mask?” causes us to see-saw back and forth in our decisions. Fear, anxiety, confusion and stress weigh our spirits down so that inwardly we feel like a washing machine on full cycle. We long for peace. Peace in a broken world. Peace in which conflict is absent and problems are manageable. Peace in which a tranquil spirit and a sense well-being fills our hearts. Is such peace in a VUCA world even possible? In ancient Israel, their priests were told how they were to bless the people. Say to them, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give peace or shalom.” In Hebrew the word Shalom speaks of God’s peace, and in this benediction we discover how they thought of Shalom. Shalom includes the LORD’s strength that keeps us strong, the LORD’s grace that gives us hope, and the LORD’s smile that gives us a sense of wholeness and well-being. Shalom is not peace without conflict, but it indicates that even in the midst of crisis, problems and brokenness we can experience this peace. Peace in a VUCA world is the message of Christmas. Scriptures introduce us to Jesus as the Prince of Peace. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” In a world that seems out of our control and filled with chaos we are pointed to the Prince of Peace upon whose shoulders the government of this world rests, and his reign as King is marked by shalom. Christmas tells us the good news that this Prince has come to earth as one of us to live among us in the midst of all the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity of life in order to establish peace as Saviour of the world. Is it no wonder the same prophet says, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” The darkest places in our world, and the darkest places within our souls are not too dark for Jesus. At Jesus’s birth angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.” To find favour with Christ is to receive peace for which we give glory to God. This is what Jesus promised before he left this world: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” His peace is different from what the world gives because his peace enables us to live in a broken world without fear or troubled hearts. Peace in a VUCA world is directly linked to Jesus for he is the ultimate Peace-Maker. He came to reconcile the world to God. In the well known carol, Hark! The Angels Sing we sing, “Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Jesus made peace with God on our behalf through his death on the cross. Such peace is precious; it cost Jesus his life. Because he overcame death at his resurrection Jesus is able to give us the peace of God that passes all human understanding. It is that deep sense that is well with our soul no matter how volatile, uncertain and confusing our world is. It is a peace that one Scottish lady described in her own quaint way as: “It’s better felt that telt.” One can experience it easier than one can describe it. To all who are weary and weighed down with fears, worries, and burdens of the heart Jesus says, “Come to me and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus’ love and care for us is such that we can experience his Shalom/Peace now, tonight, in a VUCA world. And even better is the hope of his kingdom in which Peace or Shalom, there will be no end.