The Prince of Peace Has Been Born

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. – Isaiah 9:6

Definition of Peace- (n) A state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose; Free from strife

As I’ve rushed around this month, I just kept hearing a still small voice whispering … peace. And at different times, as I tried to conquer my to-do list, I felt a turning on the inside. Am I going to get it all done? Am I enjoying the journey or just rushing through it? You see I want peace. I want it so much. I need peace. And the more I talk with friends, the more I realize that in spite of their circumstances, they need peace right now more than anything. Story after story these past few months of friends lives that will forever be changed. My heart is sad for those struggling in their circumstances. Divorce looms over many of them like a dark cloud weighing heavy on their hearts. Debt consumes many and weighs heavy on them, as they so desire to buy gifts for their children. There are other stories of people loosing loved ones. Here we are, singing “Joy To The World” while many people I know are just struggling to make sense of it all.

And me? I desire peace in my daily life. Peace when my house is a wreck. Peace when I have fussy kids because we’ve ran one too many errands. Peace when I am tired, yet my to-do list beckons me. Peace, not just on Christmas morning, but throughout the entire year. Peace. What does it look like? What does it feel like? How can one obtain it? Free from strife. For me, I often feel at peace when I have just spent time with Jesus and read His word or after a time of wonderful praise and worship, just soaking in His presence. I want that feeling to stay with me. It’s easy to feel a peace when everything is going well, but what about when my whole world is being shaken to its core? What about when something threatens the secure feelings of my little world? Is it possible to have peace then? The challenge, of course, is to pay attention to our relationship with Christ in the midst of lives that are often hurried, harried, and hassled. It is a reminder that even in the midst of life’s trials and difficulties, Christ’s peace can be experienced.

Some people think that peace is the absence of busyness. Once I slow down, then I can be at peace. I have come to discover that sometimes, slowing down is just not an option. I have also discovered that peace is actually something you can experience right in the midst of your busyness. I’m not talking about saying yes to every event or function and then wondering why you are not experiencing that peace. I am talking about doing those things that you know God’s called you to do and being at rest on the inside. When you’re driving around from family to family and baking all those goodies, invite Him in. Pray, “Lord, I need your peace on the inside, your inner rest right in the middle of my busyness”. He’s already promised it. The word peace is actually mentioned 429 times in the Bible. We might be wise to take note and receive that which He’s already promised. In Luke 1:79 (MSG), Zachariah even prophesied Christ’s coming and said He has come ^79”to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace”.

I have a key that I think is foundational to our peace. What did the angels say after Christ the Savior of the world was born? They proclaimed His peace. Listen to this scripture and see if you can see a direct correlation between praise and peace. Luke 2:13-14- “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” What just happened here? The angels praised Him and then promised peace. We should take note and do likewise.  Also, further in the chapter of Luke (verses 25-39) we learn about a man named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Christ. Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the temple as was the custom in that day. Verse 28- Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:  ²⁹“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. ³⁰For my eyes have seen your salvation, ³¹which you have prepared in the sight of all people, ³²a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Simeon praised God and was dismissed in peace. Praise Him and watch peace follow!

And finally, when Jesus was saying His good byes and speaking of His death to His disciples, He once again promised peace-

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

—John 14:27

This Christmas season may you remember that you are not alone. Jesus came into this world and offers us His peace.  Did you know the opposite of peace is stress, worry, and frustration? Instead of carrying those worries, why not praise Him and allow Him to fill you with His perfect peace.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6 -7

2000 Years ago, a Savior was born.

He entered this world and offered us His peace then-

and He offers us His peace now.

Wishing you peace this Christmas season!

Celeste Barnard

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