All my life I’ve heard Isaiah 9:6,7 quoted during the Christmas season: “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
To be honest, I’ve taken these scriptures for granted—until recently. What’s changed? Watching several Christian friends navigate life and death situations. Yes–uncertainty looms for them, but hope and courage rise above the unknowns thanks to the meaning contained in the names of Christ listed in these familiar verses.
I especially appreciate “Prince of Peace.” Imagine this—when Christ reigns in us, He brings peace no matter what, and not in skimpy doses. He’s a prince whose storehouse never empties. His rich supply surpasses human understanding. It soothes and satisfies us, and it leaves unbelievers longing to know our secret.
Billy Graham once wrote, “Jesus didn’t leave a material inheritance to His disciples. All He had when He died was a robe, which went to the Roman soldiers; His mother, whom He turned over to His brother John; His body, which He gave to Joseph of Arimathea; and His Spirit, which returned to His Father.
“But Jesus willed His followers something more valuable than gold, more enduring than vast landholdings and more to be desired than palaces of marble—He willed us His peace.”
Perhaps you, too, are facing unknowns. If so, remember this promise made by the Prince of Peace: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27 NLT).
Peace in the face of uncertainty is indeed a precious gift. Given to us by the Prince of Peace Himself, it’s available to us not only during this Christmas season but year-round. Let’s find hope and courage in this truth today.
Recent Comments