Christmas season brings thoughts and hopes of peace. We desire peace in the world, peace in our nation, peace in our homes, families and in our minds. I believe that in everyone’s heart is the longing for peace and safety.

Centuries before Jesus was born the prophet Isaiah was inspired by the Spirit of God to write prophetically:

Isaiah 9:6-7 — For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

When Jesus was born the angels declared to the shepherds:

Luke 2:8-14—“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”.

As an adult, though, Jesus said, “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

Matthew 10:34—“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” KJV

“A sword?” – What??? How can one make sense of these scriptures that seem to conflict with each other? If Jesus was the Prince of Peace, why did He say that He had come to bring a sword, to divide?

Actually the two opposites do make sense when you see them from the spiritual aspect and from reactions of those He encountered. Sometimes to gain peace, there has to be a battle to obtain that peace. Jesus experienced the greatest battle of all – that is to live a perfect sinless life and to defeat the devil. He suffered an excruciating death to pay the penalty for our sins.

Jesus was the spotless lamb—without spot or blemish. Jesus did that for you and me, so we could be reconciled to God and have peace with Him.

The division that the Gospel caused (it is an offence according to the Word), separated those who believed He was the Messiah from the skeptics and critics. Jesus dealt with the Pharisees and the Sadducees (the scholars and religious people of that day) and often rebuked them harshly. This also resulted in much division.

Also, the Good News that Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God was perceived by the Roman government as a real threat and caused quite a stir. They were very upset that Jesus was so influential and had quite a large following of believers.

When Jesus taught in the temple while still very young, it amazed those around Him that He had so much wisdom and understanding.

Before the crucifixion, Jesus talked to His disciples and told them that He would leave behind a wonderful gift — His peace!! Jesus knew that they would have many questions and would miss Him, but He encouraged them to not let their hearts be troubled. And so it is for us today – to receive this same word given centuries ago by our Beloved Savior — to not let our heart be troubled. What a word for all of us now in this tumultuous world! Friend, you can receive that same peace that Jesus left for His followers.

John 14:27—“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” KJV

Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He contains peace. When you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, then the Greater One—the source of peace lives in you. You are a carrier of God’s peace. I pray this peace manifests in every area of your life in the days ahead.

Let me encourage you during this beautiful Christmas season that you seek Jesus and keep Him the center focus of your celebrations. Without the Peace-giver, Jesus, coming to this Earth, there would be no hope for a better way of life.

Remember what Jesus said in Mark 4:39 – -“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‘Peace, be still.’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Just as Jesus quieted the windstorm, He will calm the storms in your life. In Jesus, you will find a peaceful place in the midst of life’s storms.

Does this peacefulness happen automatically? No.

Psalm 34:14 –“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”

This verse is referring to the gift of peace given by the Prince of Peace. You receive it by being in the Lord’s presence and seeking Him.

Obtaining this peace requires turning away from evil, letting go of fleshly habits, turning toward God and helping others. So in the midst of this hurried time–or for many a lonely time–turn to Jesus. Seek Him and you will find the peace that passes understanding.

Philippians 4:7—“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

May the Lord’s peace be with you, in you and around you during this season and throughout the rest of your life.

Also, I wanted to share with you some special songs for your enjoyment. Just click on the links below and sing along. He is worthy!!

First, is the popular chorus about Jesus, Prince of Peace.

Second is the Hallelujah chorus sung by the Philadelphia Opera at a local mall!!

jgU

Third is the song “Celebrate Jesus, Celebrate!!

I chose this because as much as we are joyous about the birth of Jesus which had to happen to redeem mankind, the fact is without His Resurrection Jesus would not be in Heaven at the right hand of God interceding for us!! Praise His Holy Name!!

Let’s celebrate His birth and His resurrection!

God bless you and Merry Christmas from all of us at Morningside.

Our prayers are with you and for your loved ones.

May God’s peace rule and reign in your heart and mind through

Jesus, Our Prince of Peace!!