Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

It’s almost impossible for me to read this text from Isaiah without hearing Handel’s Messiah in my head.  Scene 3 of Part 1 of the Messiah concludes with the beautiful “For unto us a Child is Born.”  These words from the prophet Isaiah have become as much as part of the Christmas story as have the birth narratives from Matthew and Luke.  That the prophecy had other implications for the Jewish people living in Judah at Isaiah’s time, does not detract from the living, breathing truth that the words hold for us at Christmas time.

At Jesus’ birth, the Jewish people were still looking for a Prince of Peace: one who would bring them out of the oppression of the Roman occupation.

We still yearn for peace today.  I have no doubt that despite the ravages of war that still hold our planet hostage, that most world leaders don’t enter into war lightly.  Most, but sadly, not all.

But on this side of the cross we know that our Prince of Peace has come.  The tramping boots of war and garments rolled in blood are not anymore God’s dream for this world now than they were in Isaiah’s time.  Peace is the way God has chosen for us.  Peace for all time both now and not yet.

Isaiah’s words ring out as a reminder that God’s justice and righteousness have come.  They come in the form of as innocent and peaceful a creature as can be: a newborn baby.  The light comes into the world so that we can see God’s vision for us. 

May this Christmas be one of peace and joy for you!

Come Lord Jesus!

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Jesus meek and mild, come.  Bring peace in your wake and help us to spread that peace to all that we encounter. Amen