Advent Series: Prince of Peace
by Joy Cofield
I knew of a woman who named her daughter, “Peace.” Can you imagine hearing your parents say, “I love you, Peace."? What an impact this would have on one’s soul!I’ve been struck over and over again this Advent Season by the word and concept of “Peace.” It keeps showing up everywhere. I’ve heard it in different songs, read it in different Scripture verses, Christmas cards, and even saw the word on a large sign on the the side of the road where 2 people were advocating for “Peace”.In listening to Handel’s Messiah during this season, 2 of the songs keep coming to mind. For unto us a child is born, based on Isaiah 9:6. The Scripture states:“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given;And the government shall be upon His shoulder:And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God,The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”The 2nd song of the Messiah that has resonated with me on this theme is Glory to God. The lyrics: “Glory to God in the highest! And Peace on Earth!” are derived from the passage Luke 2:13-14.The music and the lyrics make an emphatic statement about His power even as a newborn babe. What an announcement of the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace!For me, in the journey of Christian Spiritual Formation, peace means that there is a sense of the loving, calming, harmonious, healing presence of Christ within us to remind us that as believers, we are sons and daughters of the “Prince of Peace.”May the Peace of Christ be with you always.