PRINCE OF PEACE
As we enter the Christmas season, it is good to remember what the prophet Isaiah foretold about the coming Messiah. “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:6)
In a world that sees so little peace, Jesus offers the only real peace. He is the Prince of Peace, and He gives His peace to those who follow Him, to those whom He has saved. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (Jn 14:27)
Christ purchased our peace with the Father when He bore our sins on the cross. Until we have peace with God, we cannot have peace within ourselves, nor can we have peace with others.
St. Augustine prayed, “You move us to delight in praising you, for you have formed us for yourself; and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.” When we seek peace apart from God, we will always be disappointed, we will always fail to find it.
In Christ we are given perfect peace, and His peace stays with us throughout this life and throughout all eternity. The apostle Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7)
Let the peace of God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, the Prince of Peace, as we remember and celebrate the coming of our Savior and as we look forward with great anticipation to the day when the Lamb of God returns as the Lion of Judah.
Pastor Haney
