“For to 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.” Isaiah 9:6
Christmas is upon us! What a wonderful time of year. I love getting to spend extra time with my family — laughing, eating and enjoying all the festivities. But, most of all, the Christmas season is a wonderful opportunity to think of Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth as a baby.
We have all heard the verse above. Whether it has been quoted in Christmas pageants or movies, the familiarity of these words can sometimes lose their potency. I love to read this verse each Christmas and be reminded of who Jesus is. Every year I am struck again by the title Jesus is given, “Prince of Peace”. In a world where we see the polar opposite of peace, are we looking to the Prince of Peace?
Prince of Peace
I think, at times, we misunderstand the ultimate reason our Lord and Savior is given this name. Jesus’ message wasn’t immediate world peace — the end of war and suffering. Jesus was born a baby, lived a perfect life, died a brutal death and conquered the grave that we might have spiritual and eternal peace with a Holy God! The truth of the matter is that there is NO peace apart from Jesus Christ. He came so that we can walk in peace despite all the evil and chaos around us. In John 16:33 Jesus says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Have you found peace this Christmas? Do you have the peace that comes from knowing your sins are pardoned before a perfectly just God? Do you have peace knowing that God is your defender and that He loves you unfathomably? Is there peace in your marriage, in your parenting, in your singleness or in your career? Do have peace knowing that God will lead you in what is right, wise, and good for your life? Turn to Jesus. Turn the Prince of Peace.
Praise God for the peace that surpasses all understanding and that only comes from Him!
Merry Christmas!
Caleb
Posted in A Word from the Pastor