-- Isaiah 9:6
Everyone longs for peace. However, the Hebrew word for peace, Shalom, means much more than the absence of conflict or the end of fighting. Shalom conveys not only a sense of tranquility but also of wholeness and completion. To enjoy Shalom is to enjoy health, satisfaction, success, safety well-being and prosperity.
Shortly after Jesus was born. we hear angels proclaiming: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests" Luke 2:14
Paul assured us in Ephesians 2:14 that "He, Himself is our peace." He is the source of all peace because though we were separated from God due to our sins, Jesus reconciled us, making peace through His blood. The cross was our punishment, the payback for our sins. But Christ, loving us and being unwilling to let us suffer a punishment we could not survive, transformed an instrument of torture into one of victory. Through it He both upheld God's justice and healed our relationship with a holy God.
No matter how broken our world is, it is still right to call God loving, still right to hail Jesus as the Prince of Peace. During His life on earth He calmed the storm, walked on the water, healed the sick, and brought the dead to life. These are signs that He intends to restore God's plan for creation, to bring it to completion by inaugurating and establishing the new creation. One day Jesus Christ will enable the lion and the lamb to lie down together, making the world what it should be. A place where there is no more death, no more decay, no more illness or suffering or sorrow. A place where sin cannot be found and peace will reign from sea to sea.
Until then we must help those who suffer and console those who grieve. We must pray for peace and work for peace and refuse to accept a world that is less than it should be and less than it will be. And as we pray, let us remember that Jesus not only brings us peace, He is our peace.
Peace with God produces peace with others and peace within ourselves. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace." John 20:26-27 and Isaiah 26:3 promises that God "will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in (God)."
When you pray to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, you are praying to the One who is the source of all peace. To live in peace is to live in His presence.
Songs: Angels We Have Heard on High, Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant
Ornament: http://www.biblestoryprintables.com/…/Bible…/NamesJesus1.pdf
Discussion: Discuss the name and its application to Christ. What does it mean to have peace in our lives? Does it mean "no war?" What is the work of the Prince of Peace? (Enables us to have Peace with God, Peace within ourselves, peace with others.) What does it mean to be a "peacemaker?"
Craft: What are some symbols of peace? Draw pictures of them
Service Project Idea: Challenge: Commit to sharing the gospel of peace with someone this week.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you so much for the peace you offer. In You we can find tranquillity and understanding. With You with can find reconciliation. You are truly sovereign and worthy of worship. Teach us to become peacemakers - loving justice, doing right, and leading others along the path of peace. Amen.
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