Jesus, The Prince of Peace

For to us a child is born,
To us a Son is given
And the government will be on His shoulders
And He will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6
Virtually the whole world is celebrating today in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Over the past two thousand years, countless numbers of songs, musicals, plays and books have been written about the life of Christ. Some of the best musical pieces from the world's greatest composers have been about Jesus. Jesus is unique because He is no ordinary human being. Jesus came into the world as the Son of God to reconcile humanity to the Creator God. He came as Immanuel -- God with us.

About seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the Prophet Isaiah penned these words: "...the government will be on His shoulders;  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
The truth is: amidst all the celebrations, festivities, gatherings and gift-giving, it is rather easy to forget why Jesus came! As you celebrate Christmas, may I remind you that Jesus came into the world as our Prince of Peace?

When you encounter turmoil in life and it seems as if there is no one to turn to, remember the words of Isaiah that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and turn your situations over to Him. Jesus desires to counsel you through the challenges of everyday life and to give you real peace even when there is turmoil all around.

A year ago today, I spent Christmas at the hospital. I went through a complex medical procedure. I remember the attendant weakness and general feeling of malaise. But I also distinctly remember the remarkable peace I had within me because of the personal relationship I have with Jesus as the Prince of Peace. In those moments, Jesus was more than a musical and a Christmas song. Jesus was truly my Prince of Peace. I had peace amidst the uncertainties. In fact, I remember one nurse asking how I could be so calm under the circumstances! I took the opportunity to share my faith in Jesus and she ended up accepting Christ right in the hospital room.

This Christmas, may I invite you to taste the reality of Jesus as your Prince of Peace? When all is said and done and all the festivities are over, Jesus will always be there for you. Make your relationship with Him one that you celebrate all through the year.
Merry Christmas and may your life be overshadowed by the Prince of Peace.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for Jesus, the true Prince of Peace. Amen.