As we move closer to the day of the celebration of the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the world is in a whole lot of turmoil. Personally, I am finding it difficult to turn on the television news because someone is coming out against this group or that policy, somebody is yelling at someone else! The only peace seems to be to ignore others and do your own thing, but someone will inevitably be against the thing you are doing!
The Prophet Isaiah wrote about the Messiah, “And his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of peace.” When Jesus was born, when he lived and when he died, he was surrounded by conflict and controversy. How could he be the Prince of Peace. He himself said, “Do you think that I have come to bring peace on the earth? From here on out five in a family will be divided, three against two, and two against three. A father will be divided against his son, and the son against the father; the mother against her daughter, and the daughter against her mother, the mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:51-53)
Jesus brings peace to those who completely embrace him and his message of repentance. We would do well to embrace him and his message all year-long not just at Christmas. Jesus didn’t embrace political correctness nor the idea that people could continue to live contrary to God’s written instructions and obtain his peace.
Jesus was in his day, and continues to be to this day the most controversial figure in world history. Not because he and his apostles were not clear on the matter but rather because we want to do things our own way! He would be very politically incorrect by today’s media standards. He was very clear in his declarations and teachings.
The process to living in his peace begins and ends with who Jesus declared himself to be. The apostle John wrote, “As many as received him gave he the power (authority) to become sons of God, even to them that believe in his name,” (John 1:12). Having embraced his identity we read, “Justified, then, by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” That is the process of peace!
The world is longing for peace! Individuals are hungry and thirsty for this peace that God gives. Here is one final thought from Paul the Apostle in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!
This Christmas let’s celebrate the Prince of Peace who came to give us peace with God, peace with ourselves, and peace in the midst of turmoil.
In Times Like These 