Doomsayers abound today, with predictions of nuclear war, devastation, and socio-economic collapse. The ongoing bellicose confrontations and political conflicts around our world make us long for the true Prince of Peace. But considering all the brokenness that war brings and the enduring lack of peace in our world, how can Christians claim that the baby of Bethlehem, so celebrated on this day, is really the “Prince of Peace”? Especially with all the wars that have been fought in His name by people claiming to be under His rule?!
Yet at Jesus’ birth, the angel chorus declared, “Peace on earth among those whom God has favored!” That message, announced for all humankind, is as necessary today as at any time in history; and all those who put their faith in Jesus find Him to be the true Savior, the King who came and proclaimed His covenant of peace, setting up His “sanctuary” among His people (Ezek. 37:26-28), and lifting His “banner” over us as love (Song of Sol. 2:4). Christmas is about the good news of this revolutionary new kingdom of true peace in Jesus Christ!
Doomsayers abound today, with predictions of nuclear war, devastation, and socio-economic collapse. The ongoing bellicose confrontations and political conflicts around our world make us long for the true Prince of Peace. But considering all the brokenness that war brings and the enduring lack of peace in our world, how can Christians claim that the baby of Bethlehem, so celebrated on this day, is really the “Prince of Peace”? Especially with all the wars that have been fought in His name by people claiming to be under His rule?!
Yet at Jesus’ birth, the angel chorus declared, “Peace on earth among those whom God has favored!” That message, announced for all humankind, is as necessary today as at any time in history; and all those who put their faith in Jesus find Him to be the true Savior, the King who came and proclaimed His covenant of peace, setting up His “sanctuary” among His people (Ezek. 37:26-28), and lifting His “banner” over us as love (Song of Sol. 2:4). Christmas is about the good news of this revolutionary new kingdom of true peace in Jesus Christ!
