The Prince of Peace

 

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).

 

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. As we have been reading about the meaning of today’s candle, I hope you have begun to believe more of his great truth. Jesus is indeed “the Prince of Peace” (v. 6). The background of this verse from the Prophet Isaiah is critical for our understanding. The circumstances of Judah were grim, Isaiah tells Israel a Messiah is coming who will redeem everything. His description of this One is fulfilled in Jesus. He is that Messiah, and in this passage, Isaiah uses four titles to describe Jesus’ role and character: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. It is the latter we are celebrating today.

 

Jesus makes decisions with divine wisdom we will never understand. His insight isn’t hidden from us. As a Wonderful Counselor, Jesus leads us to make wise decisions as well. Mighty God is a nod to Jesus’ divinity. Jesus is one with God. He was with God at the creation of the earth, and nothing is beyond His ability to affect. Jesus is called Everlasting Father because, through Him, we can know God the Father. “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known” (John 1:18 NIV). However, lastly, as Prince of Peace, Jesus is the ruler whose reign will bring about peace and tranquility that never cease.

 

For Israel, these names would have brought joy and comfort during dangerous and unsettling circumstances. The same is true for us today. No matter what we’re going through, when we are in Christ, we can look to Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

 

As you light this second candle, whether literally or metaphorically, please remember who gives you rest from your anxiety and fears. Jesus has conquered even death itself on our behalf!