Christ, Our Everlasting Prince of Peace!

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The Incarnate and Preeminent Christ- 4

 

TITLE: Christ, Our Everlasting Prince of Peace!

TEXT: Multiples listed below

THEME: Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, brings God’s perfect peace to our world—announced by the angels, displayed in the manger, sought by the wise men, purchased at the cross, proclaimed in the resurrection, and perfected at His return; through Him, true and lasting peace is offered to all who believe.

TRUTH: As we celebrate this season and reflect on the familiar stories of Christmas, it’s easy to overlook the more profound message woven throughout the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—peace. Not just the absence of conflict, but a profound, lasting peace that the world cannot give. Today, I invite you to journey with me through Scripture as we trace the unfolding story of God’s peace, from the angelic proclamation in Bethlehem to the promised return of Christ. Let’s discover together how Jesus, our Prince of Peace, brings hope and wholeness at every stage of God’s redemptive plan.

 

I.                             The Angels Sang of Peace (Luke 2:13-14)

Explanation: The birth of Jesus was announced with a proclamation of peace: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14). After centuries of silence, God broke through the darkness with a message that peace was now possible between heaven and earth, not as the world gives, but as only God can provide.

 

When the angels sang of peace on the night of Jesus’ birth, they were announcing the arrival of God’s answer to humanity’s deepest needs. Their song declared that, through Jesus, God was offering reconciliation—not just an end to outward conflict, but restoration of our relationship with Him. Their chorus marked the beginning of a new era, where true peace could be found in God’s presence.

 

Illustration: Imagine a war-torn land where, after years of fighting, a white flag is raised, and silence descends—signaling the end of hostilities. The angels’ message is God’s white flag, signaling reconciliation and hope.

 

Application: Are you longing for peace in your life? Begin by hearing and receiving God’s message. Let His announcement be the calm that stills your fears and anxieties.

 

II. The Manger Displayed Peace (Luke 2:7; Isa. 9:6)

Explanation: The Prince of Peace entered the world in the humblest of settings. The manger scene was serene, not chaotic, showing that divine peace is not dependent on external circumstances but on the presence of God.

 

The manger displayed peace by showing God’s presence in the midst of humble and unlikely circumstances. Though Jesus was born in a lowly stable surrounded by animals, the scene was marked by serenity and simplicity—not chaos or fear. This humble setting demonstrated that true peace does not depend on wealth, status, or perfect conditions, but comes from God Himself. The manger reminds us that God’s peace is available to all, even in the most unexpected places and situations.

 

Illustration: Picture a calm, still lake surrounded by stormy mountains. Though the world rages, the manger is the calm at the center, reminding us that God’s peace isn’t found in perfect conditions, but in His nearness.

 

Application: In your own humble or difficult circumstances, look for God’s peace. He often meets us in the lowliest places, transforming our situations with His presence.

 

II.                         The Wisemen Sought Peace (Matthew 2:1-2)

Explanation: The Magi traveled far, guided by a star, seeking the newborn King. Their journey was long and uncertain, but their pursuit shows that peace is worth pursuing, and it is ultimately found in Jesus.

 

The wise men demonstrated their seeking of peace through their actions in several key ways: They left the comfort of their homeland and journeyed a great distance, following the star with faith and hope. Their willingness to endure hardship and uncertainty showed a deep longing for something greater than themselves. Upon finding Jesus, they bowed in worship and offered gifts, recognizing Him as the trustworthy source of peace. Their journey and response modeled the pursuit of peace—not just as an absence of conflict, but as the discovery of God’s presence in Christ.

The gifts of the wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—support the reality of their seeking peace in several meaningful ways:

  • Gold symbolized Jesus’ kingship, acknowledging Him as the sovereign Prince of Peace who would rule with justice and righteousness.

 

  • Frankincense represented worship and divinity, expressing their recognition that true peace is found in God’s presence; their act of worship pointed to Jesus as the source of lasting peace.

 

  • Myrrh, a burial spice, foreshadowed Christ’s sacrificial death, through which ultimate peace with God would be achieved.

By presenting these gifts, the wise men demonstrated not only honor and reverence but also a prophetic understanding that peace comes through recognizing Jesus’ identity, worshipping Him, and trusting in His redemptive work. Their gifts showed their hearts were seeking the peace only Christ could bring.

Illustration: Think of explorers who brave unknown lands for the hope of something greater. The wise men’s perseverance is a picture of the faith and worship that lead to true peace.

 

Application: What steps are you willing to take to seek Christ’s peace? Pursue Him in faith, and you will find the peace your soul longs for.

 

IV. The Cross Purchased Peace (Col. 1:19-20)

Explanation: The peace Christ brings was costly. On the cross, He bore our sins and reconciled us to God, ending the hostility that separated us and paying a debt we could never pay.

 

The cross purchased peace by reconciling us to God through Jesus’ sacrificial death. On the cross, Christ took upon Himself our sin and the punishment we deserved, ending the hostility between humanity and God. By paying the debt for our wrongdoing, Jesus made it possible for us to have genuine, lasting peace with God—a peace that is not earned, but freely given through His grace.

 

Illustration: Imagine a prisoner who receives an unexpected pardon because someone else paid his penalty. Christ’s sacrifice is the ultimate act of love that brings us peace with God.

 

Application: Are you carrying guilt or shame? Accept the peace Jesus purchased for you. The price has already been paid; you are free to walk in forgiveness and reconciliation.

 

V. The Resurrection Proclaimed Peace (Jn. 20:19)

Explanation: When Jesus rose, His first words to the disciples were, “Peace be with you.” The resurrection is the guarantee that peace has triumphed over sin, fear, and death.

 

His victory over the grave assures us that reconciliation with God is complete and that nothing can separate us from His peace. The resurrection offers hope and security, proclaiming that true peace is now possible for all who believe.

 

Illustration: Like the sunrise after a long night, Christ’s resurrection brings assurance that peace will have the final word in our lives.

 

Application: Let the reality of the resurrection fill you with peace. No matter what you face, Christ is alive and with you, offering hope and assurance.

 

VI. The Return of Christ Will Perfect Peace (Isaiah 11:6, 9)

Explanation: The story is not yet complete. The Prince of Peace will return, and God’s peace will be made perfect—eternal, unbroken, and all-encompassing.

 

At the second coming of Christ, the peace that He brings will be made perfect and complete. All sources of conflict, pain, and sorrow will be removed, and the brokenness of our world will be fully healed. Christ will establish His eternal kingdom, where justice, love, and harmony reign. This perfected peace means not only the end of war and suffering, but also the restoration of all things—God dwelling with His people, every tear wiped away, and true wholeness experienced forever. This is the ultimate hope for every believer: a future where God’s peace is unshakable and everlasting.

 

Illustration: Picture a world where all wars cease, every tear is wiped away, and joy is unending. This is the promised future for all who belong to Christ.

 

Application: Live today in anticipation of that perfect peace. May the hope of Christ’s return shape your actions and attitudes, and may you share that hope with others.

 

TAKE AWAY: The journey of God’s peace—from the angels’ proclamation to the promise of Christ’s return—reveals Jesus as the true Prince of Peace. His peace is offered to us all: announced, displayed, sought, purchased, proclaimed, and one day perfected. Receive and share His peace this season and always.

 © 2012 - 2025 Blake Gideon. All rights Reserved  

 

Location: Edmond, OK, USA

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