“His name will be called … Prince of Peace …” Isaiah 9:6

Among the many names given to this Child in Isaiah 9 is “Prince of Peace.” The other names identify this Child as both deity and man. At this time of year many cards, placards and signs include the word “peace” but without the Prince of Peace there can be no peace with God or among people.

In spite of decades of searching for world peace we are arguably further from it than ever before. Man’s inhumanity toward man takes on many guises and his ingenuity seems to know no bounds when it comes to harming others. Greed, selfishness, hatred and indifference (all elements of pride) ensure that there will never be peace on earth until the Prince of Peace reigns in the hearts of people and in the world in His kingdom as He has promised He will do.

Isaiah records the words of God who said, “There is no peace for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21). Of course he is speaking primarily of peace with God but without peace with God there can never be peace among men and we should not expect it. Leaders in the world espouse peace without God but their efforts are futile even if genuine.

There is no neutral position in a person’s relationship with God. Jesus said, “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30). If we are not at peace with God then we are hostile toward Him. The claim that many make to neutrality is like a morning mist.

This Child came bearing the title Prince of Peace because He alone is able to reconcile people to God and bring peace with God. People who are at peace with God will be at peace with one another. If they are not at peace with one another then at least one of them is not at peace with God.

Through this Child who bore the sin of the world in His own shed blood we can be reconciled to God and be at peace with Him and with one another. Isaiah writes, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). It is God who keeps peace in a person’s heart through the Prince of Peace.

“And she (Mary) will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

The times are in His hands and at the right time He will again invade the earthly realm and assume His rightful place as KING of kings and LORD of Lords. Then there will be: Peace on earth and goodwill toward men