“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.”
There never really has been peace on earth, in the sense we think of it. There have been wars and rumors of wars the entire two millennia since that first Christmas. The beginning of Jesus Christ’s life on earth was heralded by angels who announced, “peace on earth” (Luke 2:14). What exactly does that peace mean? I think it means two things for sure. First, it’s a declaration of the only One who ultimately can bring lasting peace on earth (which Christ will do when He establishes His earthly kingdom here on earth). But more importantly, it’s a proclamation that God’s peace is available to all men and women. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, which means He is the first, the ruler of peace in our lives. In other words, there is no peace in our lives without the Prince of Peace in our lives. Let’s explore how Jesus brings us peace.

1. He brings us peace with God. The Bible says in Colossians 1:20, “And through Him (Jesus) to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood shed on the cross.”   Also in Romans 5:1, “Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”   Jesus brought to all of us who are recipients of His grace through faith, peace with God. God is satisfied with all of us who believe in Jesus Christ. Or as the angels said it, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased”   (Luke 2:14). God is pleased with those who come to Him through Jesus Christ because He is the Prince of Peace.
2. He brings us the peace of God. The peace of God is that confident assurance that no matter what circumstances I’m in, God is for me. God will protect me. God will see me through. “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."   (Philippians 4:6-7). In Christ, the Prince of Peace, my heart and mind are guarded and the peace of God replaces the anxiety of the moment.
3. The legacy of Jesus Christ is peace. He said to his troubled disciples, “I’m leaving you with peace; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you like the world gives…” (John 14:27). Jesus gives peace to us in the midst of troubles and trials. The Prince of peace doesn’t give peace like the world gives peace. How does the world offer peace? By getting away from stress, by changing your circumstances, by defining peace as they absence of conflict in your life. But Jesus gives peace in the middle of conflict. We don’t need to be troubled or afraid because Jesus pronounces peace on and in our lives. That’s who the Prince of Peace is and that’s what the Prince of Peace does.

Take some time to today and rest in the peace of Jesus. Reflect on all these prophetic names of Jesus Christ and realize that these names are good news and God’s answer to all the confusion, complexities and conflicts of life. The good news is the gift of Jesus. For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given! Thank you God for this gift of wisdom, power, salvation and peace.