December 6, 2020

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For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. – Isaiah 9:6-7

Advent Wreath at home – Light the first two candles, the candles of hope and peace.

One of the beautiful names given to our savior by the prophet, Isaiah, is “Prince of Peace.” Aside from the catchy literation of calling him the ‘prince of peace,’ I wonder what it means for our Savior to be a prince? When we think of hierarchy we probably consider ‘king’ to be on top, followed by queen and they perhaps prince. Yet, as I understand the role of a prince they are often the ones to create peace with countries outside their own, or even within groups of people in their own country. The prince works as the advocate of the king to ensure peace within and round the kingdom.

With this in mind, Jesus is truly our Prince of Peace. Jesus is our advocate before the throne of God. Jesus is the Emmanuel, the God who is with us, and does not bring law and order, but liberation and sustaining hope even in our darkest times. The peace of God, through Jesus, gives us an expectation of a better way of life, that allows us to live into God’s righteous peace even now.

On this second Sunday in advent, we prepare for the light of Christ is our lives, but understanding the peace that is coming as we await with hope for the coming of Christ anew. May we find peace within and offer peace to all whom God has called us to interact. Let us seek peace for all in the name of Christ, our Lord.

Grace & Peace,
Sam