December 4 - The Prince of Peace

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)

When the angels proclaimed "peace on earth," they weren't promising an end to all conflict. The peace Jesus brought is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of God in the midst of trouble. It's peace with God that leads to peace in our hearts.

Before Jesus came, we were at war with God because of our sin. We were His enemies, living in rebellion against His authority. Picture the cross coming right down and bridging the great chasm that existed between holy God and sinful man. We couldn't get to Him, and He couldn't get to us because of our sin. But through the person of Jesus, God came down, stretched out His arms, and brought holy God and sinful humanity together.

The peace that Jesus offers is not dependent upon your circumstances. It's not the peace of this world. The peace of this world often feels like the mere absence of difficulty, but the peace God gives can last even in the midst of difficulty.

Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." That's the peace Jesus came to establish - peace between you and God. The way you receive that peace is to give your life to Jesus Christ - proclaiming Him as your Lord and Savior. If you haven't done it already, do it today!

Reflection Question: How have you experienced God's peace in the midst of difficult circumstances?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace that Jesus made possible through what He did on the cross. Help me to experience Your peace more deeply, especially when life becomes stressful or uncertain. Teach me to rest in the peace that comes from knowing I am Your child. In Jesus' Name, amen.