Prince of Peace

The title “Prince of Peace” suggests a hope and expectation, reflecting the promise of a leader who would bring true and lasting peace. This peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a deep, spiritual wholeness and reconciliation between God and humanity.

The Hebrews believed that the Messiah (the Prince of Peace) would come; that He would be able to ease their suffering and help them with all their worries and pain. They dreamed of how He would give protection from their enemies and conquer all the difficult things in their lives. I believe, at the time, their yearnings may have been misguided. They did not fully understand that Jesus, the coming Prince of Peace, would deliver them from their tribulations and bring them peace in their hearts; yet while on earth, they had to maintain their current lives with His love and guidance to persevere until they could be truly at peace with God in Heaven.

Fortunately for us today—and here in America specifically—we have the blessing of religious freedom. We can know Jesus, our Prince of Peace, without much suffering. We are taught that Jesus is with us while we are here on earth, along with the Holy Spirit. And with both in our hearts, all we need to do is bow our heads and call on Him to feel the peace we need in a tumultuous time.

It feels so very wonderful, when I’m frustrated with some trivial thing I can’t get right, to simply sit down, bow my head, and breathe deeply; then... ah, there it is, the Prince of Peace again holding my heart so gently! Such a blessing.

I have on my daily prayer list a plea that Christians in other countries, and those who are not as fortunate as us, will be able to bow their heads as well, breathe deeply, and let our Prince of Peace hold their hearts, giving them comfort and peace. Some fear for their lives and thus need Him—not only for feeling peaceful, but as a lifeline to God’s mercy.