Prince Of Peace

ISAIAH 9:6 | ALISTAIR CHALMERS

We live in a world that longs for peace.

There are currently estimated to be over 30 active conflicts going on in the world that are affecting thousands upon thousands of lives. War and pain have become part of our lives, but we long for peace.

Israel was in the same boat when Isaiah 9 was first heard. The Assyrian army was knocking at the door and was on a path to destroy Jerusalem. Into that context God brings a message of hope to His people, the hope of the Prince of Peace.

Jesus is the true fulfilment of this prophecy. But Jesus doesn’t just put an end to one war between two different people groups or countries. Jesus brings true and everlasting peace.

The Bible makes it clear that due to sin, we are all naturally born enemies of God. You could say that we are at war with God because of our sin. But Jesus, as the Prince of Peace, makes peace possible between people and God. That’s what Romans 5:1-11 describes.

Once we were enemies of God, but now through the death and resurrection of Jesus we can be reconciled to God and go from being His enemies to being His children. Jesus brings the ultimate peace that every human being needs, peace with God. That’s the message of Christmas and that’s the message that we need to share with the world.