“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. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end1(Isaiah 9:6, 7a NIV).
No one else on earth promised peace to his followers. That is because no one else can. But still they make false claims saying that they are going to bring peace on earth through this and that.
Whatever be their claims, peace will reign on earth only when the Prince of Peace is welcomed on earth. It will happen when Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will rule on earth in the last days.
But for now He has promised you peace in the midst of trouble. His peace is of a different nature than that of the world. By peace the world means absence of trouble and the lack of disturbance. By peace Jesus means His presence with you:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid … I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 14:27; 16:33 NIV).
Outward circumstances cannot affect the peace that He gives you. Because no one can take away the peace that He gives you. Nor can you fake that peace. If you have it others will know that you are enjoying a peace that only God can give. If you act that you have peace others will scatter it to pieces.
It is to be noted that the peace of God transcends all human understanding2. That means that you cannot understand how it operates. The peace of God can be experienced even when all comforting words fail. It can be a source of strength when no one can give courage to your troubled soul. Though this peace of God cannot be understood, praise God, it can be experienced.
It is a peace that God brings behind closed doors where you hide in fear3. For the Prince of Peace can come in through closed doors. And He tells you today: “Peace be with you!” For where His presence is there is peace. Even the winds and waves will obey Him and come to a still calmness.
May you enjoy this peace this Christmas: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ ” (Romans 5:1b NIV). To be justified means to have favor with God after having been washed clean by the blood of Jesus. That is why the angels said: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2;14 NIV).
May Jesus, the Prince of Peace, proclaim “Shalom”4 to you this Christmas!
“The God of peace be with you all. Amen5”
1 Emphasis added by author.
2 Phillipians 4:7
3 John 20:19
4 “Shalom” is the Hebrew word used in the Old Testament. It is also used as a traditional Jewish greeting. It is a word that describes the totality of God’s peace enjoyed by men.
5 Romans 15:33 NIV