The Gift of Peace

Isaiah 9:6-7

Verse 6  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.

    Today we start the second week of Advent, the week of Peace.  There is no perfect peace except that of Christ.  He said His peace is not like the peace of the world (John 14:27).  Since this gift of peace isn’t like the world’s peace, it isn’t something we can generate.

    The world likes to act as if peace is up to us.  There are so many different resources and tools to help a person gain peace.  Other religions have programs and practices to help bring peace to a person.  There are industries who have made their millions through selling products that are supposed to aid in bringing peace to a home, car or office.  But none of them truly bring peace that is lasting.

    When the prophet Isaiah was speaking of the coming Messiah, he called Him the Prince of Peace.  The people who were hearing the prophet were more experienced with turmoil and unrest than they were with peace.  After the prophet, those who knew his words understood them to mean that the Messiah would rescue them from those who were oppressing them.

    Even the people at the time of Jesus’ birth had their own oppressors who they were hoping to be saved from.  It was this lack of understanding the truth of who the Messiah would be that have some Jewish people still refusing to see Jesus as the Chosen One.  The thing is, if we don’t accept Him for who He is, we will never find Him as our Prince of Peace.

    As we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s take the time to focus on Him and get to know Him in a deeper way.  If we can learn to be intentional about learning more about Him and living as He wants us to, we will find that we have more peace than we have ever had.  A kind peace that we may not have experienced before.

Making It Personal

    What things have you tried to find peace in?  How long did they bring you peace?  What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Prince of Peace?

Making It Personal Kids

    How would you describe peace?  How can you find peace?  What do you think the peace of Christ is like?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for this gift of peace.  Help us want to know real peace and ignore the imitation versions.  In Jesus’ name, amen.