Prince of peace

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 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

This passage of scripture is a reminder that true peace isn’t an arbitrary emotion that comes and goes based on circumstances. It’s not an intangible concept. It’s not just a feeling. Peace comes from a person because peace is a person. Peace is Jesus. He is the Prince of Peace. To be a prince means He is Ruler and Steward. He is the Ruler over peace, and He is the Steward of peace. This is good news because it means that where He rules, peace reigns.

But how can you experience the peace Christ offers? How can you know His peace when your life feels anything but peaceful? Allow Him to rule where you need peace.

In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Jesus is saying, “Choosing to receive my gift of peace and the peace I am is a choice. When you allow me rule over your troubled heart, when you allow me to rule over your fears, when you give me your troubles, I will give you my peace in exchange.” This is good news! Because, maybe Christmas is usually anything but peaceful for you. Perhaps the holiday season always feels like a struggle.

There can be family struggles. Perhaps instead of unity and togetherness, your family is always bickering and arguing. There can be struggles with loneliness. Those you want to be with can’t be with you and that hurts. There can be struggles with unemployment, diminishing finances, or ongoing illness. What a beautiful truth: He alone is the Prince of Peace—and where He reigns, peace rules.

During those times when you are grieved by family relationships, focus on Jesus and ask Him to rule and reign over your interactions with loved ones. Surrender control and let Him comfort you. Ask Him to teach you His way of peace. Allow Him to be your Prince of Peace.

If you struggle with loneliness, let Him comfort you. Invite Him into your quiet moments and allow Him to rule and reign over the times when you feel isolated. Choose not to let your heart be troubled or afraid. Allow Him to be your Prince of Peace.

If you are afraid for the future and are concerned about finances, employment, ongoing illness or something else that is out of your control, surrender your cares to Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Ask Him to be your Prince of Peace. He will meet you in your trouble.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” John 16:33.