Isaiah 9:6-7
Today’s Bible passage is a Christmas favorite. We love that a child was born in a stable, and that God’s Son was given from heaven. We also derive great comfort from His names—“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (v. 6). But now and then we may wonder why the world is so chaotic and unstable if Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Although this verse is ultimately a prediction of Christ’s future kingdom, the title also reflects His reason for coming to earth 2,000 years ago and His present ministry to us today.
Jesus’ first responsibility as the Prince of Peace was to reconcile sinful mankind with His Father. By paying the penalty for the sins of the world, He made it possible for all who believe in Him to have peace with God (Rom. 5:1). When we receive Christ as our personal Savior, our sins are forgiven and we become members of God’s family. Instead of being His enemies, we become His beloved children.
Christ not only secured our peace with God; He also shares His peace with us (Col. 3:15). This is an inner sense of tranquility, calmness, and quiet trust that is not influenced by circumstances. It’s like the ocean depths during a raging hurricane: The surface is tumultuous, but at a depth of 100 feet, all is at rest.
With the stress and rush of Christmas, serenity of soul is something we all long for, but it often seems fleeting. The only way to have this incomprehensible peace is to let the Prince of Peace govern our lives. When we are under His authority and have our minds aligned with His Word, His peace flows into our hearts and calms our souls.