Prince Of Peace

By Randall Friesen
GATEWAY COVENANT CHURCH
Prince Albert Daily Herald

A year ago I remember reading about a mob of shoppers rushing for a sale on DVD players who trampled the first woman in line and knocked her unconscious as they scrambled for the shelves at a Wal-Mart.

Jenny had her eye on a $29 DVD player, but when the siren blared at 6 a.m. Friday announcing the start to the post-Thanksgiving sale, the 41-year-old was knocked to the ground by the frenzy of shoppers behind her.

Jenny's sister said; "She got pushed down, and they walked over her like a herd of elephants. I told them, 'Stop stepping on my sister! She's on the ground!"'

Some shoppers tried to help her, but most people just continued their rush for deals.

Jenny had to be flown to a medical center. She was black and blue from the ordeal and didn't remember anything from it.

Why do we fight? Conflict seems to be so much a part of the essence of humanity.

If true lasting peace is difficult, if not impossible to achieve, what will we ever do to experience it?

Years ago, the prophet Isaiah preached to his people;

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

This child prophesied about years in advance came to be born in a stable. Jesus Christ.

It is good for us to remember that Christ's very title and work is peace. The implication is that where Jesus is invited to reign as prince, peace will result. True, lasting, peace.

Isn't it ironic that this time of the year when we can almost quote those words of Isaiah's by heart, is also the most stressful and peace-less time of the year.

In fact by simply driving in traffic, or going to the mall you will be impressed by the distinct lack of "Peace."

We say Peace on earth, and we utter a curse at the guy who took our parking space. We wish goodwill to all mankind until the lady with the full shopping cart won't get out of our way as we try to pass her.

Strange that at Christmas time of all times, we really need a prince of peace who would bring God's peace to our hearts. One who could bring forgiveness of sins, renewal and new life, and the assurance of eternal life in heaven.

For this peace, and to make this peace available to us, Jesus was born.

This babe came into the world so that we might be able to experience the peace that God gives. Today, when Jesus is welcomed into the human heart, he can establish a reign of peace.

But we will only experience real, deep peace when Jesus enters the equation. When men and women focus on Jesus first, peace can happen.

What's your Christmas looking like? Is it all "Peace on earth, goodwill to mankind on whom His favour rests?" Or is it empty of peace, in your home and in your heart.

Draw near to God this Advent Season, and he will draw near to you.

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Randall Friesen is a local husband and father who pastors Gateway Covenant Church. He writes regularly at randallfriesen.com