This Sunday at our church we will light the second candle of the Advent season. So let us turn our hearts and minds to the theme of Peace. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the true essence of Christmas beckons us to find a profound and lasting peace.
In Isaiah 9:6 the prophet foretold of Jesus when he wrote these words: “For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Isaiah painted a vivid picture of the Messiah who would come to bring peace. The title “Prince of Peace” encompasses not just a temporary ceasefire or a momentary calm, but a deep and abiding peace that resonates in the hearts of God’s people.
This peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of something greater — the presence of Christ Himself. The birth of Jesus marks the arrival of true and lasting peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
In Luke 2:13-14 it tells us: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
This heavenly announcement to the shepherds on that holy night proclaimed the birth of the Savior with the promise of peace. The very presence of Jesus brought a chorus of Angels singing about the reconciliation between God and humanity. Through Jesus, God extends His favor, and with it, the gift of peace.
This peace is not conditional on our circumstances but is grounded in the unchanging nature of God’s love. It is a peace that surpasses earthly understanding because it is anchored in the eternal truth of God’s faithfulness.
Imagine being on a storm-tossed sea, surrounded by turbulent waves and relentless winds. In the midst of the darkness, a lighthouse stands tall, guiding ships safely to shore. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is our lighthouse in life’s storms. He guides us with the assurance that, no matter how fierce the storms, His peace will lead us to safety.
As we journey through this Advent season, I pray that we all can learn to embrace the peace that only comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus. May His peace guard our hearts and minds, and may we be ambassadors of that peace this Christmas season.
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