The Prince of Peace | Peace
The second of three Christmas devotionals looking at hope, peace and purpose. 

John Lennon wrote the words, 

So this is Christmas 
And what have you done? 
Another year over 
And a new one just begun 

And so this is Christmas 
I hope you have fun 
The near and the dear one 
The old and the young 

A very merry Christmas 
And a happy New Year 
Let's hope it's a good one 
Without any fear 

Perhaps not his most profound lyric, but then Lennon closes it with – 

War is over 
If you want it 
War is over 
Now 

But John Lennon wasn’t able to deliver all the people living together as one. In fact, throughout history, while we do see resolution to conflict come about,  it’s never long until something else seems to bring tyranny and upheaval. You only need to turn on the news for two minutes to see this.

It’s clear that no matter our efforts, there will always be conflict amongst us. Whether it is between two friends, in marriages, between political parties or even entire countries. Perhaps, then, it’s not surprising that in recent years the concept of “self care” has become so prominent — after all, if I can’t rely on other people to look after me, I’d better start looking out for number one.  Everywhere we look, there seem to be adverts encouraging people to take more time for themselves or spend more money on themselves, whether that’s an ad for a beauty product or online therapy. Sadly the rise of mental ill health suggests that, in the long-term, these sorts of solutions aren’t going to bring us the peace of mind we crave. 

Jesus the Prince of Peace

That is why Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 9 verse 6 is such a bright light for this generation:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 

The ultimate answer to our internal and external strife isn’t a meeting with human resources, or an appointment with a marriage counsellor or a long conversation between two friends — although they certainly might  help! The real and lasting answer is an encounter with a unique person: Jesus.

The way to true, everlasting peace is by trusting in the Prince of Peace. 

For Christians, that is truly the beauty of Christmas. It is a time to praise God because he came down to earth to be born as a baby, to bring reconciliation in the most profound broken relationship in the world, the root of all human brokenness, the war between God and man. 

He did that by going on to die on the cross and defeating death so that, by trusting in him, we can have eternal peace with God. 

Father, thank you that we can look towards heaven with you where you will wipe away every tear, where there really will be no more war, where peace will be the norm and not something we have to search for. Would you help us to be pouring out thankfulness to you this Christmas for sending the Prince of Peace to be our saviour. Amen.