December 24

It’s Christmas Eve and this night above all other nights of the year speaks of the hope and promise of peace like no other. And yet for many, peace is elusive. This year has been a horribly divisive year for our communities and our country.

All one has to do is scroll through Facebook to see that the “hope” and “promise” of a presidential election did not bring peace for many.

Disease strangles families and threatens any semblance of peace.

Cities with names like Aleppo, Mosul, Berlin, Orlando, and Paris fervently, continue in their search for healing and peace.

The increased suicide rate in our country reminds us that many search for some peace but many never find it.

   “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;

   And the government will rest on His shoulders;
   And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus promised people peace but not as the world offers it. This peace only He can give. He came to restore not just peace that ends hostility, but the restoration of relationship between God and his much loved children. Physical safety and political harmony do not necessarily reflect what our  Prince of Peace offers.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” John 14:27

Peace is a person. His name is Jesus, and He came to be peace for us all.

Heavenly Father, stir up the good news of Christmas in hearts today. Pierce the world’s darkness with the Christmas story, our salvation story. Never have we needed Your joy and peace more than now. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Immanuel, the Word made flesh. Forgive us for forgetting that Your love never changes, never fades, and that You will never abandon the purpose for which You came. You came to restore! You came to save us from our sinful condition, and to give us eternal life, the joy of relationship with a holy God. Your birth—and Your death—sealed Your promise to us forever. Amen.

Tagged: Prince of Peace