Prince of Peace

"At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him."

Luke 2:13-14 MSG

Lately I have been giving much thought to peace ~ what exactly is peace and what is the path to peace! We know that God is the Source of all true peace; Christ is the Good News of peace sent to us from God. Peace is the message of the angels the night that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

". . . 'Peace on the earth, good will to men,

from heaven's all-gracious King:

'The world in solemn stillness lay,

To hear the angels sing."*

Peace in the Hebrew (shalom) and Greek (eirene) teach "absence of
disturbance" and is the primary blessing of God's people. Scofield offers four references to peace: Peace with God, Peace from God, Peace of God, and Peace on earth. Deep inside, each of us desires the assurance of peace. Only God can provide complete peace.

". . .O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing . . ."*

"Peace of God" is often challenged by a world full of anxieties and chaos, doubts and uncertainties, but it is this "inner peace" the soul knows when faith in Christ leads one to "peace with God." Perfect peace is a gift God gives to the faithful ones who trust in Him.

". . . When peace shall over all the earth
It's ancient splendors fling,
And the whole world sends back the song
Which now the angels sing."*

"Peace on earth" is the promise of His everlasting peace which is still to come. For now, each of us are called to embrace peace offered by the Author of peace, measured by the Prince of Peace, and revealed by the Spirit. In this Holy Season, let us receive the Prince of Peace. May Christ's peace be the ornament that decorates our hearts at Christmas and throughout the coming year. ~dho

Merry Christmas!

*lyrics from It Came Upon A Midnight Clear