“For a child has been born-for us! The gift of a son- for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.” Isaiah 9:6 (MSG)
“Peace doesn’t mean troubles are absent, peace means God is present.” Anonymous
- Remember to call your prayer partner today! Keep it quick, and keep praying for each other throughout the week.
- Beautiful and treasured daughter of the King, come and spend some time with your Father. Gather your Bible, a pen, and find a restful place for your body and soul. Sit for a moment, asking your Father, who is captivated by you, to speak to you through His Word today.
- Read Isaiah 9:6 and Luke chapter 2 for deeper study.
The Prince of Peace
In today’s key verse, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the Messiah. Fast forward hundreds of years to c. 1AD: the mighty machine of Rome has conquered much of the known world, including Palestine. The people, under Rome’s thumb are unhappy. As they desire to rid themselves of this foreign power, fights, arrests, and general despair is thick in the once great nation of Israel. These were turbulent times, the perfect setting for the arrival of the desperately needed Prince of Peace.
Our home can become an unsettled place during the Christmas season. After all, schedules become varied and less reliable, my kids grow excited and anxious, which causes more spontaneous fights and whining than usual, and there is so much to be done amid my parental
referee duty. Planning, decorating, shopping, parties, baking, visiting, hosting–which means cleaning and more shopping, and oftentimes, stressing. Any or all of these things can bring me to despair as I’m pulled in different directions, allowing my focus to slip off my Savior and center itself on the task at hand. I need the Prince of Peace to guard my heart and mind, filling me with the promised peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
The Greek word for peace is Eirene, which comes from eirō, meaning to join or tie together as a whole. In other words, we experience wholeness and peace when all the parts are joined together. The Prince of Peace, Jesus, brings everything together by bridging the great divide between sinful humanity and the righteous God who created us (John 14:6), for He desires us to have fullness of life—wholeness (John 10:10).
In fact, Ephesians 2:14 says Jesus himself is peace, so if we have Jesus, we have peace by remaining tethered to Him. And Jesus said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Beloved, Jesus is waiting for you to invite Him to be your Prince of Peace. Just as He came to rescue His people over two thousand years ago, He desires to rescue you from your worry, busyness, and strife, like a fairy tale prince, but so much better!
As Christmas approaches, I encourage you to slow down, put the to-do list away for a while, and spend intentional time with your family as you proclaim the peace that your Prince has promised. Here are a few suggestions of wonderful Christ-centered activities for your family this Christmas!
Get Crafty
Each year, we make homemade ornaments, and it is one of our favorite family activities. There are hundreds of beautiful, simple, inexpensive nativity craft ideas out there. Choose one and set aside time to create lasting memories with your kids!
Children’s Advent Study
Reading aloud is another special time at our house. Read Jotham’s Journey, Tabitha’s Travels, Bartholomew’s Passage, or Ishtar’s Odyssey by Arnold Ytreeide with your children during advent. Choose one to read during the evening hour before bed. These books are exciting advent adventure books appropriate for children 7-14.
Christmas Books for Little Ones (Ages 2-8):
Listen to the Silent Night by Dandi Daley Mackall
Room for A Little One by Martin Waddell
God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa T. Bergen
Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones
The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats
The Nativity by Julie Vivas
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
B is for Bethlehem by Isabel Wilner
Annika’s Secret Wish by Beverly Lewis
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
Blessings and Love,
Rebekah Measmer and the Help Club for Moms Team
Questions to Ponder
- What are some additional ways I can promote peace, bringing everyone together in my home?
- Are there thoughts or distractions I am allowing that rob me of peace?
- Am I proclaiming the promises of peace in God’s Word?
Faith-Filled Ideas
Choose one or two ideas to integrate into your Christmas celebration this year.
Memorize Isaiah 9:6 as a family.
Write the verse on a chalkboard and keep it visible throughout December. There is power in praying and proclaiming God’s Word. Write down the following Scriptures in your journal and declare these promises when you are feeling anxious or your household is unsettled. Jesus, the Prince of Peace, longs to fill your heart and mind with His perfect peace!
• John 14:27 • Ephesians 2:14 • 2 Thessalonians 3:16 • Isaiah 26:3
• Romans 5:1-22 • Philippians 4:7 • Psalm 29:11
This devotional comes from our book “The Wise Woman Knows.” You can find it HERE!
Having lived in Colorado Springs most of her life, Bek enjoys hiking, camping, snowboarding, and other outdoor adventures with her family. When she is not busy homeschooling her four children, you might find Bek absorbed in a book or creating something lovely with her hands.
Bek is learning to continually practice the presence of God as He refines her for His perfect purposes. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
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2 Comments on “The Prince of Peace”
Thank you , Rachel!
Thanks for all of your awesome book recommendations!!! 🙂