“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…and he will be called…Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9.6).
This child, the Prince of Peace, entered Israel in a time of Roman oppression when rebellions and talk of rebellions were common. Into this occupied country, in a lowly stable, slipped the Prince of Peace. His arrival may have gone completely unnoticed had a host of heaven not descended upon the shepherds, with their first words being “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2.10).
Jesus tells us what this good news is: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4.18-19). Prince of Peace is not just a cute alliteration, but an essential aspect of why Jesus came to earth.
As you contemplate Jesus as Prince of Peace today, listen to “Mary Did You Know” by Kathy Mattea and rejoice because the child “has come to make you new.” Jesus came to initiate peace between us and God and between us and others. It’s true, while there is no peace on earth, we can have peace. In Christ, we find peace.
