By Melissa McLaughlin
Horns honked as traffic piled up at the red light. Drivers glared at one another through clenched teeth. As I rolled into the parking lot, another car sped toward the nearest empty parking space.
A sigh slipped through my lips.
Upon entering the store, shoppers rushed about picking up items and studying price tags. Store associates worked hard restocking shelves and hurriedly checking out purchases to keep the lines moving.
Just as I was about to breathe another sigh, a melody caught my attention and heart.
Right there, in the middle of a secular store, a Christmas carol rang out. Not a winter song, but a Christian hymn with lyrics about Jesus.
I paused. My body still. Holding my breath, I closed my eyes. And listened.
Silent night, holy night
~Joseph Mohr
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus Lord, at Thy birth
Above the flurry and fuss, a heavenly lullaby soothed my soul. Unexplainable peace descended upon me. And I rested in that place of divine peace.
The message of Jesus’ grace and love broke through the world’s commotion. His peace stilled my heart.
In a world of chaos, strife, division, and war, how can we experience Christ’s peace?
This Advent season, as we celebrate our Savior’s birth, let’s contemplate Isaiah 9:6 again, reminding us Christ is the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) – 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.
The past several weeks, we studied the names “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” and “Everlasting Father.” In this final week, we will ponder the title, “Prince of Peace.”
Even before His birth, the angels announced Jesus bringing peace in Luke 2:14 (NIV), “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
The peace Christ purchased between us and God came at great cost through His sacrifice on the cross, as noted in Isaiah 53:5 (ESV), “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
Additionally, we read of Jesus’ gift to us in John 14:27 (ESV), “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.”
Fittingly, Jesus is called our peace in Ephesians 2:14 (ESV), “For he himself is our peace.”
Truly, Jesus is our Prince of Peace. The Son of God purchased peace for us with His blood. The world cannot touch this peace.
To conclude this Advent series please join me reading Isaiah 9:6 and Isaiah 9:7.
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.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. ~Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)
Can you think of a time when you experienced God’s peace?
No matter where you find yourself today, may the peace of Christ rule and reign in your heart.
Merry Christmas to you and your families!
Update for My Readers:
I’m sorry! Unfortunately, the e-book version of The Whole Bible Devotional has been delayed. We hoped it would be available for purchase before Christmas. However, it is coming soon!
I will let you know as soon as it is released. In the meantime, I cherish your prayers for me and for everyone helping with this book. Please let me know how I can pray for you, too.
God bless you, dear friends!
Other posts you may enjoy:
The Psalm that Inspired Joy to the World
Feeling Sad at Christmas? 4 Ways to Overcome
New Life, New Hope, New Birth at Christmas and Always
Peace on Earth! But What Kind of Peace Did Jesus Bring?
I love that the peace of God can be found in any moment. Music can soothe the soul. Words can warm the heart. A smile can mend broken relationships. God brings His peace. We have the opportunity to share His peace with others. Hallelujah! Merry Christmas dear friend.
Christ’s peace is a great gift to us. And you are right, we can experience His peace in many ways. I love it when I sense His peace amid the chaos. I know it is not of this world. Our Prince of Peace reigns! Merry Christmas, dear Melissa!
It is so comforting to know that I have peace, peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peace with God through faith in Christ anchors our souls through the tumult. May His peace rest upon you today.
Truly, Jesus is our source of peace … in the craziness of holiday shopping, in the anguish of suffering, in the chaos of this tumultuous world. Beautiful piece! And I’m praying for your book release!
Thank you so much, Jessica! I appreciate your prayers. The gift of Jesus’ peace passes all understanding. What a gift!
Sister,
Just now getting to this one.
The most glaring example of His peace for me is connected to the phone call in the middle of the night, 9.2.21 – my brother in California called to tell me “Dad died.”
I will keep this short. He was hysterical. I am always hesitant to say who is & who isn’t a Christ follower, but I can say that I’ve given the Gospel to him…and there isn’t the appearance that he is a follower. He doesn’t mention Jesus.
I was in shock, but I remember praying silent on that phone call. Only Jesus could deliver the way I responded that night until today. My dad was a Christ follower. I had instant peace – unexplainable.
Where I am often tripped up, is in day to day. I must be honest, I ask for His peace & believe I walk in it often enough. I needed this devotion. Why? I just now saw the words over & over…He GIVES it. Wow, a gift. I strive for it. I may even plead for it.
This has really led to an extended meditation tonight. Thank you Jesus, I receive your peace. Holy Spirit, help me access what Jesus has given me already.
What a blessing!
God bless you Melissa,
Mike C.
Brother, thank you for sharing this powerful and heartfelt reflection. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad– a godly man, a loving father, and a believer. What a painful memory to hear those words from your brother in the middle of the night. One of those phone calls we dread. But what a testimony of the Holy Spirit in your life that you were able to handle that heartbreaking moment with such peace. That is truly God’s peace that passes all understanding. Certainly, knowing your dad is with Jesus is a comfort of all comforts. Another big point you made – God GIVES His peace. May we rest, receive, and embrace that gift He gives. His peace! What a blessing for sure! God bless you, Mike!
Thank you for this response, Melissa.
Just finishing up with work …but I am NOT finished with study & reflection on “Prince Of Peace.” Going to go back to these passages for a bit now (before I dive into the next blog.)
This happens to be my favorite in the series for good reason. I just realize & am open to say I can miss this too often. Jesus wants all of me & wants me to receive all of Him…including His peace. I remember sharing in a men’s group a few yrs ago about how exhausted I was asking for a circumstance/situation change at the time. I said ‘guys, I’m tired of praying about this thing. I’ll be fine if I can just have the peace that transcends all understanding part – then I won’t care how this turns out’
Melissa, I am so grateful for this writing/topic. Lord knows!
Blessed day, Sister.
The Lord bless you, brother. His peace is always available to us. We believe it, but you’re right– it’s not always easy to receive, embrace, and rest in His peace. I think the key is knowing His peace in the midst of our circumstances and difficult situations, not necessarily after God has answered the prayer to change them. HE is our peace. Easier said than experienced. One thing that God has slowly led me to do, is speak the truth of Scripture no matter what I may be feeling. I have learned to say, “The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 100:5) while tears are literally streaming down my face. When I look at Jesus pouring out His blood for me on the cross, no matter what sorrows or suffering I may be going through, I can still say that Scripture truth and mean it for real. God’s Word, our Savior, the indwelling Spirit, and our praises make a mighty spiritual weapon. May His peace that passes all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) Blessed day, Mike!
Thank you for this awesome series Melissa. I really loved your detail about the Prince of Peace. Thank you Lordfor the gift of our Savior
Thank you for reading, Yvonne, and sharing your faith and encouragement! Oh what a Savior!