And He Shall Be Called Prince of Peace
Happy 4th Sunday of Advent! Our journey is leading us to the birth of our Savior. We’ve embraced each Sunday’s symbolism in the Advent Christmas wreath’s candles. The first Sunday was hope, then faith, last Sunday’s was joy and today, we light the last purple candle to mark the final week of our journey. This final candle, symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14
The angels were announcing that we can have peace and good will to each other regardless of what is going on in our world. How can it be? Because Isaiah prophesied years before Who was coming to bring peace! And it certainly wasn’t a politician, a diplomat, an angel or even a saint. It….rather, HE is coming! Isaiah spoke these words in Isaiah 9:7 “And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father – PRINCE OF PEACE.”
Of all the scriptures that we hear during the Christmas season, this is one of my favorites. That’s because I have first-hand experience of knowing that peace that can only be found in knowing the Prince of Peace. He has kept me calm, assured, peaceful and confident during some of the greatest challenges in my life — dealing with loved ones’ illnesses, financial crises, having to make critical decisions and handling day-to-day responsibilities. The Prince of Peace is my constant companion.
When all seems chaotic and questions loom, and I wonder, “What do I do now?” — the light comes on, and, once again, the scripture, “Him (or Her) I will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Me (my Prince of Peace).” Isaiah 26:3, comes to me. I fix my mind on Him, and His peace always pervades my world, my circumstances, my home and my heart. When anxiety, concern and distraction tries to overtake me, I often put on praise and worship music and I always acknowledge He, the Peace-giver and Peace-maker Who is in my presence, and the atmosphere is replaced with calm peace and assurance that God has me and all my cares in His control. God knows about this life journey we are all on. He even knows the outcome!
So why should we worry, fret or be concerned? As 2020 is fast approaching, we may have questions about what our future will look like. No doubt, we’ll encounter our share of ups and downs. But, let’s listen, and take to heart the words of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, “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)
While we can’t know all that 2020 will hold for us, we can know the peace that the Prince of Peace provides. He is able to sustain us through anything that might come our way. So, peace AND the Prince of Peace, be with you and yours — today and tomorrow!