Prince Of Peace

Are you familiar with the story of “The Christmas Truce”?  It took place during the week of Christmas in 1914 as World War I raged in Europe. In various parts of the Western front, as soldiers were dug into their trenches (in some places just 30 yards apart), they could hear one another singing Christmas hymns. Amidst the shouts back and forth, an informal ceasefire was eventually decided upon, with reports of numerous British and German troops participating. On Christmas Day, soldiers gathered together in “no man’s land,” where they lit candles, sang hymns, exchanged gifts, and played soccer. For a few short hours, those soldiers experienced peace. Tragically, that peace would not last. Shortly after the holiday celebrations ended, the hostilities resumed. The resulting fighting continued for four more years, killing and maiming millions. As we reflect on that backdrop, we are reminded that peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is more than warm feelings or sentimentality. God’s peace - His shalom - is much richer and points to a sense of harmony and wholeness. It leads to a flourishing that can only come from the true Prince of Peace. When the angels appeared, they proclaimed, “Peace on earth, goodwill to men.” This was not some sort of brief truce. Because of Jesus Christ, he made a way for us to be at peace with God, and he also made a way for us to experience peace with one another. While we may have to work for it, it also looks forward with hope to this promise: “Of his government and peace, there will be no end.” As we prepare for this Christmas Eve/Day, may we be a people seeking peace - peace with God through Christ, and peace with others. May we give thanks that our “Wonder­ful Counselor, Mighty God, Ever­­lasting Father, Prince of Peace” has come, and may we live in anticipation of the lasting peace we will experience when he comes again.  Grace & Peace, Pastor Aaron