Handel’s “Messiah” is one of the great musical compositions often performed in this season of the year, written 280 years ago. Aside from the Hallelujah Chorus, one of the best known melodies is the one based on Isaiah 9:6, taken directly from the King James Version of the Bible. For some of us, the tune will be in our head as we read the words. But if not, you can go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS3vpAWW2Zc to hear an orchestral rendition:
“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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
The Messiah Jesus, Prince of Peace, is the one whose birth we celebrate and the one whom we worship this Christmas.
“Peace” is such a simple word, and it even sounds like what it is describing (what they say is an “onomatopoeia”). At the same time, the presence or absence of peace has huge significance and covers so many dimensions of our lives. It has meaning at three levels: peace can have a global meaning in the relationship between countries, applies to relationships between people, and has a meaning for us as individuals as well.
Peace is highly desired (except by those who thrive on chaos), but at the same time it is elusive and difficult to attain or maintain. Globally, we have multiple wars and hatred between people groups. At the personal relationship level, we see divisions and conflicts even among families and friends who were at one time close. When we speak of it personally (like “peace of mind” or peace in our spirits), it is usually easy to tell when we don’t have it, such as when we are overcome with worry or fear. Peace is something that almost all of us would love to have more of, yet our human propensity toward sin gets in the way. We hear the desire for peace expressed even in classic Christmas songs – hoping for wars to end, a yearning to be home with family, to return to the things we remember. These are all expressions of the longing for peace in the world, in our relationships, and in our personal life.
God our Creator has put this longing in us. True peace is a something made possible and given by Him. He designed for peace to be found in His Son, the “Prince of Peace.” Upon announcing Jesus’ birth, the angels expressed Glory to God “And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14). So then, what is peace? Let’s do a little Bible study on the word at the three levels: peace in the world, peace in relationships, and peace within ourselves.
In The World:
The world typically thinks of peace as a cessation of conflict or hostility. This definition is true, as it is also found in the Bible in the context of military operations (e.g. 1 Kings 22:44 where Israel and Judah made peace; Joshua 9:15 where the Gibeonites tricked Joshua into making peace; and Luke 14:31-32 where peace negotiations are referenced). War is a horrible thing, affecting the lives of millions of people. It’s so sad we have to see such conflict even today, but it’s another evidence of our fallen world, whether started through disputes over certain territories, hatred for others, or defense of our homelands.
In Relationships:
In the context of human relationships, peace means to have harmony. Ephesians 2:14 reminds us that Christ broke down the wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles and brought them together in peace through faith in Christ. Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” God also tells us that peace between the brethren is part of the kingdom of God: “… for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,” and “…we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” (from Romans 14:17 and 19, about not putting stumbling blocks in a brother’s way).
But the deepest relationship of all is with the Lord, where peace means that we have been reconciled with the Father, by faith in the forgiveness provided through the sacrifice of His Son.
- “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
- “… and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:20)
The carol “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” summarizes it so neatly when it says, “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
In Our Spirit
Personal peace (or peace in our spirit) could be described as rest, serenity, or tranquility of the soul. Personal peace can be similar to peace in the world and in relationships with others from the standpoint that personal peace comes easier when there is no conflict. But personal peace is also different in that this peace is also possible IN SPITE OF conflict and turmoil. It is not as if we enjoy those times of conflict with others or the uncertainties about our future. But we can have peace that the Lord is the One who is ultimately in control. While we are to be faithful in our own responsibilities, God is in charge of results. Being able (and willing) to leave the results in His hands can be a great source of peace.
Jesus describes this so well when, following the Last Supper, He was preparing the disciples for the things they needed to be ready to face in the future. Jesus said that this peace is unlike the so-called peace of the world.
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” Jesus said this to the disciples, knowing that He was very soon to go to the cross. This is a beautiful application for us, knowing that we can have peace even in the midst of conflict and great trials.
- John 16:33 reinforces that point – “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Then His prayer in John 17 is such a powerful reminder of why He enables us to live this way. It is all about glorifying the Father, and it is such an endearing, passionate prayer for the disciples He is about to leave: “But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves” (verse 13). This is an amazing statement, knowing what He knew. He even started His prayer with the words “Father, the hour has come.” He had peace and joy knowing He was about to fulfill the very purpose of His being born into a world of conflict, suffering, and strife.
How about us? The Lord has us here for a purpose as well. But we are easily distracted, “prone to wander,” as we are reminded by the old hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Listen to the Chris Tomlin version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9I_-ShgVBE.
The words are all about our propensities to forget about the “One we love” and how indebted we are to His having rescued us. This is the reason we celebrate His birth this season. Yes life is hard, and peace does not come easily. But we also know the end of the story that began in Bethlehem. May God give you His peace, the “peace of God which surpasses all comprehension” this coming year. (Philippians 4:6-9). And as a little footnote to that passage, “peace” is referred to twice, and the passage contains at least five biblical “put-ons” to overcoming a propensity toward anxiety. If you are troubled or anxious today, this little study would be a great place to start.
If you would like to see other blogs from BCF in this series, go to:
https://bcfministries.myshopify.com/blogs/news.
Spencer Smith and Steve Smith, Christmas 2023