The prince of peace

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.          Luke 2:14

Of all the passages in the Bible relating to the coming of Jesus Christ, none is more hopeful and inspiring than Isaiah’s 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” (Isaiah 9:6).

Does the Prince of Peace have much sway in our world today? When Jesus was born, angels hovered over the fields of Bethlehem and spoke of peace. The old King James translation records the message: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14 nkjv). The Prince of Peace can make your heart His kingdom no matter how much conflict there may be in the world, your neighborhood or even your home.

There are times we are tempted to think that God’s Son went back to heaven and closed the door, turning His back on what happens in the streets. Nothing is further from the truth. The story isn’t finished. Someday the Son will return with all His glory and power and establish a kingdom of peace that will last forever.

It would be a waste of time to talk about the psychological hazards of holding on to your bitterness, envy and strife that wound you and make you a prisoner of the one you dislike. How much better to remind you that the peace of God can rule in your heart, and on this Christmas season wherever you are, and whoever you may be, the Prince of Peace cares about you and knows how you feel.