THE PRINCE OF PEACE

As I write this article today, the leading news headline is "Bombers Kill 74 at Two Mosques in Iraq". Sadly, those tidings are both tragic and typical of what we are seeing and hearing on a daily basis in this troubled world.

When I was growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, I learned about previous wars in history, and I remember that World War II was referred to as "the war to end all wars". At its conclusion, the victorious powers founded the United Nations in 1945 with high hopes that it would act to prevent conflicts between nations and make future wars impossible. Unfortunately, human nature prevailed and skirmishes within and between nations continued. America itself was involved in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, conflicts in Grenada and Panama, the Persian Gulf War, and now we’re involved in Afghanistan and Iraq. And besides these, there have been wars and uprisings in many other parts of the world.

Realistically, peace on earth has never looked more impossible or unattainable than it does today. From a human standpoint, the prospect for worldwide peace looks very dim indeed. Doubtlessly, many have given up hope that there will ever be peace and tranquility between men and nations. But wait a minute! From a heavenly and biblical perspective, there IS hope! And that hope is all wrapped up in one Person alone, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Over 600 years before Christ‘s birth, the prophet Isaiah predicted, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, PRINCE OF PEACE. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end…" (Isaiah 9:6-7). Then when Jesus was born, the heavenly host of angles said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth PEACE, goodwill toward men." (Luke 2:14).

Thank God, there is hope for peace on earth! But it does not lie in the United Nations, or in politics, philosophy, education, or even in religion. The only one who can give peace is the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. And the only way to get peace is to have a relationship with Christ by personally repenting of your sins and placing your faith in His ability to save you. Romans 5:1-2 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

There it is ladies and gentlemen! There is hope for peace on earth! But it does not come through Moses, Mary, or Mohammed. It comes only through personal faith in the virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious death and bodily resurrection of God’s only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, the Life, the door to forgiveness and salvation. Through Him alone we can have peace with God, and the peace of God that surpasses understanding. Jesus said (John 16:33), "these things I have spoken unto you that in Me you may have PEACE. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

We celebrate Christmas because Jesus came the first time as the Lamb of God to shed His blood to purchase eternal peace with God for those who trust Him. He will soon come the second time as the Prince of Peace to establish his Kingdom on earth and rule and reign in righteousness. And of "His government and peace, there shall be no end". "Even so come, Lord Jesus"!

"It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:

Peace on the earth, good will to men,
From heaven’s all gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.

For lo, the days are hastening on,
By prophets seen of old,
When with the ever circling years,
Shall come the time foretold,

When peace shall over all the earth,
Its ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing."