Prince of Peace

It was about 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve 1914 when the guns fell silent on the Western Front. World War I was raging in Europe, and there was no end to the fighting in sight. When the gunfire ceased, the Allied soldiers sat in the darkness. Instead of bullets whizzing overhead, they heard a different sound: it was singing.

The British didn’t recognize the words, but they knew the tune. It was ‘Silent Night’ sung by German soldiers just yards away. Soon, hundreds of British soldiers joined in, singing along with their enemies. When the song was over, one German soldier yelled out, “Happy Christmas, Tommies! No war tomorrow.”

The next morning, a German soldier walked over to the Allied side. Soon, other Germans followed all shouting, smiling, and waving. Soldiers from both sides climbed out of their trenches, and met in the field that lay between them, appropriately named “No Man’s Land.”

They shared what gifts they could find, including cigars, brandy, sausages, and some Christmas pudding, along with a lively football game. On that Christmas Day in 1914, a Christmas Truce was reached, and war was exchanged for peace, even though it only lasted for a day.

Soldiers playing soccer in No-Man’s Land during the Christmas Truce in 1914. Universal History Archive/UIG/Getty Images

The story of the Christmas Truce shocked the world. But as astonishing as this story is, it’s also strangely sad and unsatisfying. Even though a ceasefire can be called for Christmas, the bombing often resumes the next day just like it did in No Man’s Land.

Even when the best of human nature shines through at the darkest moments, we learn it is not enough to sustain peace. By sweeping away the issues that divide us, we might create an illusion of peace, but what we really want is lasting peace. This kind of peace extends between former enemies and makes us friends. This is the peace we want to rule and reign in our hearts and lives.

The title for the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, Prince of Peace, is translated as Sar-Shalom in Hebrew and has a more nuanced meaning than the other three titles. You’re probably familiar with the word ‘Shalom’ which conveys feel-good meanings such as safety, wellness, happiness, friendship, absence of strife, prosperity, and peace. But the Hebrew word ‘Sar’ has a far-less friendly meaning and is often used with militaristic overtones in the Old Testament. It means commander, captain, ruler, chief, and prince.

How can a commander, who usually orchestrates war, bring peace? The irony of these two names is that Jesus could bring peace with a show of force. In the years after his birth, the Prince of Darkness would flee when the Prince of Peace entered his domain. But at his birth, the Prince of Peace, who commanded an angelic army in eternity past, was announced by them.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14

As Christmas approaches, the landscape around the world looks far from peaceful. When the angelic army announced peace on earth, it wasn’t issued to everyone. There was a specific target in their angelic sights. Peace on earth was for those with whom God is pleased. Are you among those with whom God is pleased?

This Christmas, don’t settle for a truce when Sar-Shalom offers you a peace that's infinitely better and more far-reaching.

Because the Messiah bore our sins on the tree, our war with God is over. He signed the peace treaty with his blood, and it’s irrevocable. No Man’s Land no longer exists for believers. We are now reconciled with him and enjoy the peace that comes from God, a peace with God, and the peace of God.

This is good news worth singing about. Let’s join with the angelic armies and proclaim glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to those with whom the Prince of Peace is pleased.

Let's Pray

Dear Prince of Peace,

We know that as the Prince of Peace, your birth ushered in a new era of peace that rules and reigns in the hearts of men and women. It was because you were born, lived a perfect, sinless life, and were later crucified and resurrected that we who believe in you by faith, can be at peace with you. This is the greatest peace treaty of all time! We need you, Prince of Peace, to continue your peacemaking work in our hearts and in those around us. Thank you that even though you came to bring peace, you did so with a show of force, disrupting the powers of darkness. Make us your peace-loving people, and help us herald this good news to those around us.

In Jesus' peaceful name. Amen.

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