7th December 2022
A thought from George Ford
‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.’ He will reign of David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and for ever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.’
(Isaiah 9:6-7)
Reflection
Throughout both the Old and New Testaments Jesus is referred to by many descriptive names. One of which we find here ‘ Prince of Peace’. Isaiah not only foresaw God sending one into the world who would establish justice and righteousness among His people, but one who would bring peace both between people, and within people. Elsewhere he wrote Those who walk in crooked paths have will have no peace. (Isaiah 59v8) Jesus was born into this world that we might know God’s love – our sins forgiven and the true peace it creates in its place within us. Whatever our guilt and shame His forgiveness sets our hearts at peace. The peace, Jesus the Prince of Peace, came to bring Amid all the business of Christmas preparations, our own misdoing, and the turmoil of uncertainty, injustice and oppression that’s all around us, may Jesus forgiving love and His peace be born deep within us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father we praise and thank you for the peace you gave us in Jesus. The peace of sins forgiven. The peace of your presence with us to do your will. As we expectantly prepare to celebrate Jesus birth once more may we also prepare our hearts, that Jesus may be born in them once again, to the praise and glory of your name.
Amen
Worship
‘You are Lord of lords, You’re King of kings, You are mighty God, Lord of everything. You’re Emmanuel. You’re the great ‘I AM’ You’re the Prince of Peace, You’re my Prince of Peace And I will live my life for You. You are my Prince of Peace and I will live my life for You.’
(Marc Imboden & Tammi Rhoton, 1994)
