Prince Of Peace

Prince of Peace

A child is born to us, a son is given to us. . . . And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

These days there is more than enough Christmas cheer to go around. There are holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and children’s programs. There are gifts to buy, and maybe cards to mail and homes to decorate as bright and beautiful as the magazine covers on the rack at the grocery store. Yet there is little peace. And on some busy, frantic holiday days I’m certain that I’ve forgotten that the whole thing is supposed to be about the Prince of Peace.

That title holds a lot of meaning.

Prince: “Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth’” (Matthew 28:18). We’ve given Jesus authority over our souls and our homes, but have we given Him authority over our Christmas celebrations?

Peace: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3). When our minds are filled with all the tasks of Christmas, peace comes when we focus on the Prince of Christmas.

In the Amish home, preparations for Christmas start a few days (not a few months) before the holiday. If gifts are given, they are simple gifts for the children. There is often an Amish school Christmas program that focuses on Christ. In fact, in a book for Amish schoolteachers a new verse to the familiar carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was added:

O little Inn of Bethlehem

How like we are to you;

Our lives are crowded to the brim

With this and that to do.

We’re not unfriendly to the King,

We mean well without doubt;

We have no hostile feelings,

We merely crowd Him out.

It seems even the youngest children know what Prince needs to reign in their Christmas! Can you make an effort to remember the same?

Dear heavenly Father, forgive me for my busy plans that tend to push You out. Help me to focus my thoughts on You today. It is there that I will find peace.