Prince of Peace
I believe most of us live in a temporary bubble during the Christmas season. I’m referring to the sweet space we intentionally enter to celebrate the holiday. Yet once Christmas is over, we recognize it’s time to return to life. So, we dutifully “de-decorate” our homes, sweep up tree needles, take down Christmas lights, and write thank‑you notes. And while some of us do this reluctantly and others eagerly, we all, in the end, “pack up Christmas” and move forward.
Yet in our commitment, perhaps even in our haste, to move past Christmas, let’s be careful not to box up a gift that is in no way seasonal, but is truly always needed: the gift of peace.
Prince of Peace
The truth is Isaiah’s prophecy of the promised child who would secure our peace was never meant to be tied solely to Christmas. His words were, in fact, a declaration of who Jesus would be, not just at Christmas time, but for all times and in every season. Jesus is now, and forever will be, the Prince of Peace.
And as the Prince of Peace, Jesus not only embodies peace, He is the very source of peace. A highly specific, incredibly unique kind of peace available only in and through Him. A peace that surpasses circumstances, endures through challenges, and never ever ends!
Yet for us to truly appreciate and embrace this extraordinary peace, we must first understand what it is and why we need it
Understanding This Peace
The Bible defines the peace of Jesus as shalom, the Hebrew word for completeness, wholeness, and well‑being. Shalom encompasses every aspect of our lives, benefitting us spiritually, relationally, physically, and mentally. And this is critical to understand because when Jesus said, “My peace I give you” (John 14:27), He was actually offering us His shalom. A perfect peace unlike anything the world offers. A supernatural peace that guards our minds, guides our decisions, and equips us to face life’s challenges with confidence. A peace so strong that even life’s storms can’t drown it out. A peace that overcomes our doubts and steadies us when we feel afraid, insecure, uncertain, or confused. And most significantly, a peace that never fails and is always with us.
Why We Need This Peace
We need this peace quite frankly because life isn’t easy. In fact, it’s complicated, sometimes hurtful, and often painful. Yet Jesus never promised us “easy.” He promised us Himself. And this is why we can always experience peace. A peace not determined by life's challenges, but by His Presence with us. A peace that is with us in our chaos, confusion, indecision, and fear. A peace that steadies us, calms us, and reminds us of who we belong to. We belong to Jesus, our Prince of Peace. And my friend, I don’t know about you, but I desperately long for this kind of peace in my life.
So, here’s my charge to all of us as we move past Christmas and into a new year:
Let’s breathe in this peace in a new and fresh way.
Let’s walk in this peace with confidence and assurance.
Let’s guard and protect this peace when the world tries to steal it.
And finally, let’s acknowledge our desperate need for this peace today, tomorrow, past Christmas, and in every season of life.
Pray
Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to be my Prince of Peace. I acknowledge my deep need for His peace and in every season. Help me consistently trust in, depend on, and walk in the peace I have in Him. You are a faithful God, and I am grateful for the gift of peace that is mine through Jesus, Your perfect Son. Amen.
Reflect
Where in your life do you most need to experience the peace of Jesus—and what would it look like to walk in that peace this week?
Friends, I’d love to hear your experience! Feel free to share your responses in the comment section below, or with me and others HERE!