The second Sunday of advent represents Peace.  I find it a bit fascinating that Isaiah gives us the names associated with the birth of Jesus, as the Wonderful Counselor, MIghty God, Everlasting Father and finally the Prince of Peace.  Choosing to list the Prince of Peace as the final name is so powerful.  Jesus wanted nothing more than his followers to live together in peace, loving one another with tenderness and kindness.  

“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

In the above scripture, I took notice of the fact that “the government will be on his shoulders.”  The essence of this means that Jesus will rule, he will be the king of kings. HIs kingdom is everlasting.  But perhaps there is something more that we can glean from this idea.   The foundation for any government should rely on a  leader who will be for the people where peaceful living and unity are paramount.  That is what Jesus Christ wants from his followers, to live together peacefully and abide by a moral code of conduct that respects the rights of everyone. 

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 

Hebrews 12:14

We grow and thrive in the loving arms of the Prince of Peace.  He offers a sense of peace and calm that transcends into a tranquil state when we learn to trust in Him.

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”  

Psalm 29:11

Jesus proclaimed his peace to the people in John 14:27, his peace covers any troubles that your heart may be feeling and his peace gives you courage over fear.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 

John 14:27

The word peace seems to be a very common theme during the Christmas season. Songs carry the refrain, “peace on earth”, Christmas cards designs have the word peace in beautiful script and ornaments in every shape and size display the word peace on them.  We long for peace during the season of advent.  It gives us a quiet time to reflect on the past and prepare with hopeful expectations for the future.  

Jesus is our Prince of Peace

Jesus is our Prince of Peace.  Charles Stanley writes in Christmas A Gift for Every Heart, “Even if your schedule becomes more hectic and responsibilities increase during this blessed season, you are assured tranquility in your relationship with Christ.  He can speak solace and calm into your circumstances even when everything else around you is in chaos.”  

This year has been filled with chaos on so many different levels.  In the midst of all the chaos, it is comforting to know that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, he will quiet your soul and calm your heart.  I pray that God will bless you with an overwhelming sense of peace this advent season.  

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” 

Colossians 3:15

May the peace of Christ be with you!