The second Sunday of Advent. Many Christians will light a second candle to acknowledge the light that came into the world, Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (NIV)
The Prince of Peace came to this earth, born of a virgin. He died for our sins. He rose again and conquered death so peace can reign. Yes, the world is still a troubled and wicked place but we have the assurance that in the future justice will be served and those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord will have peace in a place of perfect harmony.
How difficult is it to imagine the creatures of the earth living in perfect harmony? Or a child playing with lions, unharmed? That is God’s promise of a day coming.
Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD- 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. 6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. 9 They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. 10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him and his resting place will be glorious. (NIV)
As children of God we have something powerful – a peace that passes all understanding.He has given us that now even though we live with death, disease and heartache all around us. When trials or persecution come, we can be content because we know the end of the story.
John 14:27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)