SUNDAY LESSON, 12/17/23A SON IS GIVEN: PRINCE OF PEACE
Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:8-14 (selected passages)
This Sunday will conclude our Christmas sermon series “A SON IS GIVEN” as we study the fourth name the prophet Isaiah said the coming Christ child will be called, “PRINCE OF PEACE.”
The name “Prince of Peace” is the Hebrew Shar Shalom, which means “the one who removes all peace-disturbing factors and secures the peace.” This instantly sets Jesus apart from those human rulers whose reigns depend on power and might, which often leads to war. The name helps explain why Jesus disappointed His countrymen who was looking for a conquering warrior to defeat the Roman Empire, not one who came to bring peace on earth.
And, yet, the peace that Jesus came to give was not the cessation of wars, but the reconciliation between God and mankind, which, ironically, will also lead to reconciliation between man and man. Through the gift of God’s Son, we are able to be at peace with God, with each other, and within ourselves. Yet, this can only be achieved if we allow the “Prince of Peace” reign in our hearts.
Come join us this Sunday as we conclude this series. And then return on Christmas Eve morning at our regular time to hear our brother Randy Sparks present a massage of Christians from the book of Genesis, and return Christmas Eve night at 6:00 as I present “The Wonder of Christmas” from the gospels.
ISAIAH 9:6
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.
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.
LUKE 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
