PRINCE OF PEACE
Christmas Eve, 1914, on the frozen Western Front in the early days of World War I. The Germans lay huddled in their bunkers, the Brits and French hunkered down in theirs. In-between stood “no-man’s land.” Anyone venturing from their trenches would be shot by the enemy. In the frozen silence, a song issued from the German bunker. “Stille nacht. Heilige nacht...” As it died away, the British picked it up. "Silent night, holy night..." The Germans responded with Adeste Fideles, the Brits echoing.
Eventually, a few Germans could no longer contain themselves. Leaving their trenches, they maneuvered into "no-man's land," as their officers attempted in vain to restrain them. The British and French joined them, grasping one another's hands in warm greetings. For hours they sang together, exchanging small gifts, sharing food and family photos. At that moment, they were no longer enemies but fellow humans, united by Christmas.
Our faith in Jesus can unite us, even in the midst of war. Isaiah 9:6 prophesies that Christ would be called "Prince of Peace." Ephesians 2 declares that Jesus reconciled Jews and Gentiles by bringing "peace to those who were far away and peace to those who were near." No two cultural groups were ever more divided than first-century Jews and Gentiles. But Jesus made them one, as he continues to do today. I'll never forget worshiping with a small church in the Arab Quarter of Old Jerusalem. Their pastor was a Palestinian Christian, and his Associate was a Jewish believer. They had every reason to hate each other, yet they worked together as one, united by their love for Jesus.
As the world struggles to find a solution for peace in the Middle East, with all my heart I believe the answer is Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Not only in the Middle East, but world-wide. If that's true between Germans and British in WW I; if that's true between Arabs and Israelis today, how about in our own personal worlds? This Christmas, let's do more than just "go through the motions." Let the Prince of Peace reign in our hearts, and see our lives transformed.
Where in my life am I neglecting to allow Jesus to reign as Prince of Peace?
With whom do I need to pursue peace? How will I respond?
"Prince of Peace, fill my heart with your supernatural peace this Christmas and may it overflow to others, allowing them to experience you as Prince of Peace."