To us a child is born, to us a son is given … and he will be called … Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6
On that starry, starry night, so long ago, the glory of the stars was outshined by the angels of God. In beautiful chorus they proclaimed, “Peace on earth, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14 KJV). The good will and peace of which those divine messengers spoke would be ushered in by the Savior born that night in Bethlehem.
Peace? Good will? Considering the great number of impoverished people and the increasing (and ongoing) threat of terrorism in the world—not to mention all the upheaval and unrest in your own life—do you ever wonder if the angels got it wrong?
Every time we read or watch the news from our favorite news source, we hear about the latest murders, natural disasters, financial fiascos, and political drama. Ever since Adam and Eve fell into sin, people have longed for a peace that our world can never accomplish.
Is it any wonder why more people mock the message of the angels rather than marvel at it?
The angels weren’t speaking of peace between people and good will among nations. They were heralding peace and good will between humanity and God that Jesus came to bring. That peace is found in the payment that Jesus made for our sin, by offering his life on the cross.
He is the Prince of Peace because he paid once and for all the ultimate price to abolish sin—the reason why we have conflict, strife, and war to begin with. Because he died and rose again, we know that all the unrest and ill will in our life will come to an end.
In the meantime Jesus declares, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). The Prince of Peace is in charge of your life. No matter what war rages between nations, families or even within your own soul, take comfort that your sins are forgiven. Your guilt has been paid for.
Talk about peace and good will! And not just at Christmas. Always. All because “to us a child is born, to us a son is given.”
Lord Jesus Christ, you are my prince and my peace forever. Amen.
Living Hope Church 