JESUS: PRINCE OF PEACE

PEACE I leave with you, MY PEACE I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid – John 14:27

The story in the second chapter of Luke’s Gospel shows that fear lurked in the shepherd’s hearts even on the night of Christ’s birth: Behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were GREATLY AFRAID (Lk.2:9). But the angel quickly allayed their fears, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY which will be to all people (v.10). The heavenly host added: Glory to God in the highest, and ON EARTH PEACE, good will toward men (Lk.2:14). As you look to Jesus, the Prince of Peace will ease your fears and calm your heart.

Over millennia, centuries, and decades, this imperfect world has witnessed festive seasons, even in the midst of conflicts, turmoil, stress, and pain. In a world that is full of fear, it is comforting to remember that Jesus came as the heaven-born Prince of Peace (Isa.9:6). Humanity desperately needs His Peace, different from the ‘perversions of peace’ that the world offers. The Lord’s command to “Let not” implies that: you may not be able to control what goes on around you, but you can control what goes on in your heart. How? By filling your mind with God’s Word; and by praying about the situation and leaving it confidently in God’s hands (Jh.16:33).

Does everything seem to be falling apart? Is your life clogged with all kinds of junk? Do you feel like the disciples in the storm with the waves overwhelming? It’s time to call on the Prince of Peace. He is there in your life’s ship. You can say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust” (Psa.91:2). Proclaim the lyrics of Wesley’s hymn:

Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Sun of righteousness!

Light and Life to all He brings,

Risen with Healing in His wings.