Prince of Peace

 

It is hard to believe that this is the last Sunday of Advent.  Every year, the Advent season seems to pass by so quickly and this year was no exception.  As we walked through the different names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, we have come one of the names I need the most – Prince of Peace!  Finding peace seems to be a rarity these days.  No matter the time of year.  No matter how hard I try to set aside time for some peace, it eludes me.

There are so many wonderful verses on peace in the Bible.  It was hard to choose one.  Today, I chose John 14:27. As I reflected upon how much I seek peace, I realized two major influences (among the many) about why I do not always experience the peace I am looking for.  They were summed up in this verse:

·       The “world’s” peace is not the same peace Jesus gives – my ideation of peace comes from a place that cannot give me what Jesus can.

·       My heart is troubled and worried about many things – things that I cannot control (there is that word control again). 

My idea of peace can come from the pictures and scenes I have seen throughout the years.  The mug of coca in front of a fireplace while reading a book and nothing else is on my mind or my heart.  I have no worries, and all is wonderful.  My friends, there will always be something that can get in the way of ‘earthly’ peace.  What we have is so much more than that.  We have the Prince of Peace, the One who provides us with the peace that this earth cannot give us. 

Our hearts and minds do not have to be troubled.  In my case, “I” let that happen!  I choose to have so much going on in my mind that it cannot find peace at night.  I choose to worry.  My Prince of Peace gives peace freely and abundantly.  I need to be the one to receive, like many gifts our Jesus gives us.  When I have reached the end of my rope on situations, and turn to my Jesus in exasperation, He opens His arms and says, “rest here child.”  Peace falls over me – without the fireplace and hot cocoa, just the warmth of my Savior.

As we close out our Advent series, remember that the names of Jesus describe His love for us.  He is our Wonderful Counselor – guiding us through our lives.  He is the Mighty God – all powerful in all situations.  He is the Everlasting Father – never leaving our sides.  He is our Prince of Peace – providing “all is calm, all is bright.”  May Christmas bring you joy and love as we celebrate our Savior’s birth.  Peace . . .

Prince of Peace, may we turn to you always, instead of this earth, and place our worries on your shoulders.  Help us to experience the peace only YOU can bring.  Amen.