The Prince of Peace

When Jesus Christ was born, a host of angels proclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to the people of his good will” (Luke 1,14). As recipients of God's peace, Christians are unique in this violent and selfish world. The Spirit of God guides Christians to a life of peacemaking, caring, giving, and love.

In contrast, the world around us is constantly caught up in discord and intolerance, be it political, ethnic, religious or social. Even right now, entire regions are threatened by old resentments and hatreds. Jesus described this great difference that would mark his own disciples when he told them: "I send you like sheep among wolves" (Matthew 10,16).

The peoples of this world, divided in so many ways, cannot find the way to peace. The way of the world is the way of self-interest. It is the way of greed, envy, hate. But Jesus said to his disciples: “I leave peace with you, I give you my peace. I do not give you as the world gives ”(John 14,27).

Christians are called to be zealous before God, "to strive for that which brings peace" (Rom. 1 Cor4,19) and "to pursue peace with everyone, and sanctification" (Hebrews 12,14). They are partakers of "all joy and peace ... through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 15,13).

The kind of peace, "the peace that is higher than all reason" (Philippians 4,7), overcomes divisions, differences, feelings of isolation and the spirit of partisanship in which people become embroiled. This peace instead leads to harmony and a sense of common purpose and destiny - "unity in spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4,3).

It means that we are forgiven those who do us wrong. It means that we show mercy to those in need. It means that kindness, honesty, generosity, humility and patience, all underpinned by love, will characterize our relationship with other people. It means that greed, sexual sins, drug abuse, envy, bitterness, discord, and other people's abuse can not take root in our lives.

Christ will live in us. James wrote of Christians: "The fruit of righteousness will be sown in peace for those who make peace" (James 3,18). This kind of peace also gives us guarantee and security in the face of disasters, it gives us peace and quiet in the midst of tragedy. Christians are not immune to life's problems.

Christians, like all other people, have to fight through times of tribulation and hurt. But we have the divine assistance and the assurance that He will support us. Even though our physical circumstances are dark and gloomy, the peace of God that lies within us holds us together, confidently and firmly, with confidence in the hope of Jesus Christ's return, when His peace will encompass the whole earth.

As we wait for this glorious day, let us refer to the words of the apostle Paul in Colossians 3,15 remember: “And the peace of Christ, to which you are also called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be grateful. ”Do you need peace in your life? The Prince of Peace - Jesus Christ - is the "place" where we will find this peace!

by Joseph Tkach


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