“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.” Isaiah 9:6
In 1914, the celebration of Jesus’ birth brought a literal peace to war during World War I in one region of Belgium.
The cease-fire now known as the “Christmas truce” began on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1914, when German troops began decorating the area around their trenches for Christmas. They started by placing candles on trees, and then continued by singing Christmas carols. Silent Night was one particularly significant song.
When the British troops in the trenches across from them heard them, they responded with singing, too. The two sides continued singing and then shouting Christmas greetings to each other. Soon, there were calls for visits across the killing fields. These warriors then met in “No Man’s Land”, which was the area between the trenches, to exchange small gifts like chocolate and jam. [1]
So the birth of the Prince of Peace once again brought peace as the soldiers met and exchanged presents.
This weekend as part of Christmas celebration will will dig into how the presence of God brings peace!
Jesus is Emmanuel, “God with us,” and he is the Prince of Peace. He brings peace. He commands peace. He offers peace. He provides it to those who will receive it. [ref. John 14:27]
Is there an area of your life in conflict this Christmas?
Do you need to experience the peace of Christ?
Maybe you need to call a truce with someone in your family or workplace; or perhaps you need to call a truce with God and quit wrestling with Him.
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings peace into any and every situation. His presence changes everything: in war, in families, and even in our private lives.
Christmas makes true peace possible. No matter what we are facing or dealing with, Emmanuel allows us to know His Peace.
Having His peace does not mean there is no conflict, trouble or difficulty. No. The peace of God means we are at peace in our hearts and minds in the midst of those things.
We may desire peace; but even when we work at it, doubt, uncertainty, fear, worry, anxiety…even sin…can creep in and create conflict with in us. True peace is found only in a relationship with Jesus.
If your life is marked by stress, worry, conflict, fear or a lack of peace in any area, ask Jesus to fill you with His peace. His peace is a gift and it passes understanding. [ref. Philippians 4:7]
Merry Christmas!
[1] Information obtained and adapted from Wikipedia.
