Prince of Peace

The events leading up to Jesus’ birth were not very peaceful. His mother, Mary, was a teenage girl who was pregnant and all she could tell people is that God had given her a baby…I imagine when she told her parents there wasn't much peace there. Also, she was supposed to marry a man named Joseph who she had never had sex with so he was real confused too. On top of that, they had to travel miles to Bethlehem and wait for it…have a baby in a barn. In these days I don't think we truly reflect on the chaotic situation Jesus was born into. It wasn't all sweet like “Away in a Manger” portrays it. The cattle were lowing, but they were also pooping…just think about that. (go check out the book of Luke to get the full story!)

Mary and Joseph had to give all of their doubt to God and obey Him in the midst of the chaos. 

Despite the situation Jesus’ birth was beautiful and peaceful. 

In this Christmas season we need to remember that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Lean back on the Lord and ask Him to bring you peace in the midst of your chaos. Light a candle, take a deep breath and ask God to quiet your mind. 

Another thing the second week of Advent represents is prophecy. The prophecy of a coming Savior! I found an awesome resource that shows where a lot of prophecy can be found in the Bible and I’ll put it below! 

(2.1) Prophecy about a Man Who Will Crush Satan: In the first book of the Bible, written over 1400 years before Christ, God told Satan that the son of a woman would crush his head. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15).

(2.2) Prophecy About a Virgin Birth: Over 700 years before Christ, the prophet Isaiah foretold that Immanuel (which means “God with us”) would be born of a virgin. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

(2.3) Prophecy About the Identity of a Child: Over 700 years before Christ, the prophet Isaiah described the identity of Jesus. “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).

(2.4) Prophecy About the Majesty of the Child: The prophet Isaiah further described Jesus and his majesty. “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

(2.5) Prophecy About the Birthplace of the Ruler: Over 600 years before Christ, the prophet Micah foretold that the Ruler would be born in Bethlehem. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for

me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2).

(2.6) Prophecy About John the Baptist: Over 400 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Malachi foretold how a forerunner would prepare the way for Jesus. John the Baptist fulfilled this prophecy. “‘See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Malachi 3:1).

(2.7) Prophecy Fulfilled: Jesus is the only one that can bring peace with God. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

For a lot of people Christmas has never been peaceful. If this is you, I urge you to break the pattern this year and focus with your family on the peace Christmas brings. Don’t let the busyness of this time of year distract you from Jesus. That’s what the devil wants. He wants you to be so stressed that you forget what peace feels like. He wants you to be so distracted that you forget why we even have Christmas. 

God is peace and He created you in His image so it’s in your blood! Remind yourself what peace feels and looks like. Take a moment with Jesus and enjoy the peace His presence brings.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Advent study: http://www.celebratingholidays.com/?page_id=1429