December 26, 2018 -- Isaiah 9:6-7 -- Jesus the Prince of Peace
/For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:6 & 7 ESV
Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. What a great title. Another Christmas is done. So many people had particular dreams and plans for how it should go, what they might receive and how they'd feel. With monotonous regularity such hopes are dashed. But not for those who look to Jesus.
Jesus is our Peace. He is the greatest gift God has ever given.
Jesus is our Peace. He is our sure hope for life that is full and joy-filled beginning right now and lasting into and through eternity.
Jesus is our Peace. Joy does not depend on circumstances, ease or suffering, plenty or want, rather joy is anchored in Christ Who has taken away the shame and reproach of sin.
Jesus is our Peace. He is bringing history to its rightful conclusion so that one day every eye will see Him and every knee will bow and every tongue confess Him Lord over all.
Jesus is our Peace. People cannot change the climate, end all war-fare, create utopia, cleanse the evil that resides in every heart. Only Christ can bring His healing peace to every wound in creation, peace among nations, peace arising from the expectation of the New Jerusalem, and peace that begins with a heart whose rebellion against God has been ended with forgiveness and renewal.
Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. You are the Desired One of all nations. Blessed be Your Name. Through Your sacrifice we who believe are called sons and daughters of the Most High. Thank You, Spirit of God, for making this know to all who believe. Increase our peace. Increase our faith. Increase among us the awareness of the glory of God. Amen.
