Author: Ken Hartman
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NLT
The message of Isaiah 9:6 is a message of peace that lives in stark contrast to the world we live in. Isaiah promises a coming ruler, a Prince of Peace, whose reign would change the course of human history. This passage is a cornerstone of the Christmas story, heralding the birth of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy.
In today’s society, finding true peace can seem impossible. In 2025, we live in a world often defined by chaos and conflict. The issues we face in our daily lives, the anxieties of tomorrow and the environment of conflict and division in our country can cause us to be in a state of constant distress. We may look for peace in temporary solutions, but
Isaiah points us to the TRUE source of peace – Jesus. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 that we can cast our cares (other translations say anxieties or worries) on Him. When we embrace the peace that Jesus gives, we do just that. And this peace is not dependent on external circumstances but comes from our relationship with Christ.
Advent is a season of waiting and preparation, a time when we reflect on the promises of God and anticipate the arrival of the promised Messiah. The peace mentioned in Isaiah is more than just the absence of war; it is a peace that truly seeps into all aspects of our lives. The Hebrew word for this peace is Shalom - a state of completeness, harmony, and well-being.
As we spend time with the Lord this Advent season, think on the peace Isaiah speaks of. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings reconciliation with God, mending the broken relationship caused by our sin. He provides peace of mind by shouldering our burdens and worries. And besides reconciling us to God, He fosters peace with others, calling us to be agents of reconciliation in a broken and divided world.
The message of Isaiah 9:6 is a beacon of hope: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called... The Prince of Peace." This Advent, let us embrace the profound peace He offers. It is a gift given freely to all who receive Him.
May our hearts and homes be filled with the peace that only He can provide, a peace that surpasses all understanding, guiding us not just through the Advent season, but through the upcoming year.