“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
On Christmas Eve, we are reminded of the mystical paradox of Christ’s coming. The Prince, who would bring peace to humanity, was born as a fragile infant onto a violent, fractured battlefield. Ah, we have such cause to rejoice over our Prince of Peace, whose birth, death, and resurrection defeated the prince of darkness!
Jesus vanquishes darkness and brings peace to every part of our lives we are willing to surrender to Him!
When Isaiah says, “the government shall be upon His shoulder,” it means Jesus carries the full weight of divine authority. He alone is strong enough to rule any kingdom or heart with perfect justice and peace. This is the emblem of His kingship. Our lives become places of peace and wisdom when we submit to His leadership.
Jesus alone possesses the power to bring true, lasting peace.
Jesus promised us: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27) His peace is not fleeting comfort; it is the presence of our Savior. When we are born again, our soul and spirit are brought into the family of God, and Jesus covers us with His righteousness which enables us to possess HIS peace.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
This restored relationship means we are no longer separated from God, no longer His enemies, and no longer without hope. We are subjects under the reign of the Prince of Peace Himself. When He is our Ruler, we are enabled to live in peace. In other words, HIS peace has the ability to rule in us. In fact, Paul wrote, “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15)
So why do we—as born again believers—often seem so anxious?
Well, while our inner man is ruled by the Prince of Peace, our outer man (flesh) and the enemies of our peace are still on the loose. But, as born again believers—we now have a choice about who will rule our thoughts, words, and deeds. So when fear and anxiety escalate and stress dictates our decisions—we need to ask a sobering question: “Have I dethroned the Prince of Peace in some area of my life?”
God’s Word commands us not to allow anxiety to dominate our life!
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6–7
Jesus came as a vulnerable baby, but He died and rose again as a conquering King to demonstrate His absolute authority over our enemy. We are not powerless. His peace is NOT fragile. Paul reminds us that God’s peace can extend to every area of our life!
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace ALWAYS in EVERY way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
When the Prince of Peace reigns in our thoughts, attitudes, responses, words, and deeds then we will NOT be anxious. Peace is the gift we receive when Jesus becomes the center of our minds and attitudes.
Peace reigns IN us when Christ reigns OVER us.
Christmas Eve Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, thank You for stepping into this world with power strong enough to calm every storm within me. Thank You for covering me with Your righteousness and restoring my peace with the Father. Forgive me for the times I let anxiety rule instead of Your peace. Tonight, I surrender my heart, my mind, and my fears to Your authority. Let Your peace rule in me. Teach me to walk with Your attitude, think with Your mind, and trust in You. Reign in me always, Lord Jesus. Amen.
