Today, we continue our focus on the ancient Christian tradition of Advent. In Isaiah 9:6, we read a prophecy about the coming Messiah Christ, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” We’ll meditate on each of these names as we count up to Christmas.

Today, we light the candle of peace and focus on Jesus Christ being the Prince of Peace.

Our hearts and minds long for peace. Sure, we have moments and glimpses and pockets of peace right now on earth, but we crave the fullness of peace all around us, extending to the ends of the earth.

Beloved, those days are coming! When Jesus comes again in His second advent, He, as the Prince of Peace, will bring about perfect peace on the renewed and combined Heaven and Earth. Then there will be perfect peace amongst all of creation. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

But don’t overlook what is offered in His first advent. While we are still waiting for perfect peace amongst creation, He made a way in His first coming for every person to have perfect peace with their Creator. We are born rebels at war with God, sinners who love our sin and spurn His lordship. We are by nature and nurture deserving of God’s wrath.

But praise God that in Jesus’ first advent, He propitiated God’s wrath, extinguished God’s wrath, toward every person who will turn from sin and trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. That means perfect peace with God is available right now to the world.

This Christmas, through our Prince of Peace, may you experience and rejoice in your perfect peace with your Creator until Jesus comes again, bringing perfect peace amongst all creation!

Merry Christmas!

Change begins in you!