The Prince of Peace
In Isaiah 9:6-7, popularized in Handel’s “Messiah” chorus, “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” Jesus is referred to as the Prince of Peace. In our day and age, peace has become a muddled concept. We often confuse peace with a Zen-like experience, calming teas and breathing techniques, but if this is what peace means, do we need Jesus?
What does Isaiah mean? How does he prophesy that Jesus is our Prince of Peace? Isaiah’s prophecies came on the heels of massive political turmoil and war. The Assyrians threatened to take over the Ancient Near East. No nation could withstand the tramping boots of their vicious armies. Their armor was drenched in the blood of their enemies.
What use is a calming tea and proper breathing technique in the face of such an existential threat?
Yet, amid such geopolitical terror, Isaiah prophesies:
“For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:5-6, ESV
The peace that the Prince of Peace gives us is far more than just a calming tea. He eradicates the enmities that exist between different peoples and nations and brings into harmony all those who seek to worship and obey Him. He punishes those who harm the innocent, even on His last day, and binds up every wound and wipes away every tear. He frees the oppressed and executes justice on the oppressor. He restrains the evil and wicked and empowers the peacemakers.
Even now, His Spirit of Peace fills the Earth and draws people closer into His reign. This is God’s unbreakable promise, guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
And so, with this in mind, I commend to you this collect for peace (“The Book of Common Prayer,” pg. 815):
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen.
