Prince of Peace


“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us,… He will be named… Prince of Peace…” (Isaiah 9.6).

Jesus was born in a time of constant conflict. In fact, the New York Times says “Of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for 268 of them, or just eight percent of recorded history.” It seems people have difficulties in living in peace. There is something within us that draws us to conflict. People desire peace but often find war.

Israel as a whole was at peace when Jesus was born; however, there were regular rebellions against the Romans that occupied the land. Rome was constantly at war in one part or another of their vast empire. It was into this context that the Prince of Peace was born.

At first, the world did not grasp the reality of the birth of the Prince of Peace. The shepherds were surprised by the visit of a host of heaven’s angels announcing the good news. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2.10).

The good news that the angels announced to the shepherds, was confirmed by the statement in the book of Isaiah (as Jesus said it referred to himself): “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4.18-19). This is the mission life of Jesus. The reason why He came 2,000 years ago. This is His promise for each one of us and our lives. He is all for every single person and desires to make us new through His birth.

Today, I invite you to consider Jesus as the Prince of Peace. You may want to listen to“Mary Did You Know” by Kathy Mattea. Jesus came to bring peace between God and all the people and between each other. Even if the world is not at peace, thankfully we can discover true peace in Christ Jesus.

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