Active Theology

“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 9:6, ESV)

One thing I love about Christmas is the anticipation. Once I start seeing the lights, hearing the music, and tasting the holiday treats, I’m immediately taken back to childhood. I remember seeing gifts accumulate under the tree as Christmas day drew near. I looked forward to the dessert/snack room at grandma’s house (yes, we turned her entire craft room into a dessert oasis for a day). There was much to look forward to.

For me, there’s always been a “timeless feeling” around Christmas. Maybe it’s because traditions stick around year after year, or the classic Christmas songs we hear every year were recorded decades ago. 

As much as I looked forward to the traditions and anticipation of the holiday, I think of the people of the Old Testament and the anticipation they would have experienced as they longed for the promises of God to come true. 

Throughout the story of the Old Testament, there are so many ups and downs. There was sin, death, wars, political strife, evil leaders, suffering…the list goes on. I can’t help but think that in the back of their minds they kept thinking, “God promised to make things better…to send us a Prince of Peace.” Just as people in our day and age try to predict the return of Christ, I would bet that people were looking for the Messiah around every turn. 

God sticks to His word. He holds true to His promises. The messianic prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The Prince of Peace had arrived. 

Jesus was the embodiment of peace. And this isn’t a peace from physical danger or suffering. The peace that Jesus brings goes much further than that. 

Because of sin and brokenness, there is separation between God and man (Rom. 5:10). But Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection brings peace and restoration back into the relationship. Through Jesus we experience peace with God the Father (Rom. 5:1). This is a deep and everlasting peace that will never be taken away. 

We long for peace. But we will never find peace if we look for it here on earth.  The peace we truly long for has already come. God’s peace and power dwells within us by the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is a peace that will never leave us and will stick with us from now and into eternity. 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)

Pray: Father, thank you for your care and provision. You know that we long for rest and peace. And while I wait for eternal rest, I find hope and assurance in the gospel and the presence of the Holy Spirit. For when I so easily forget this truth, I ask that You would quickly remind me that You are always with me providing me with Your peace. 

Song: “God With Us” by All Sons and Daughters

Craig is a worship pastor at Wallula Christian Church and the creator of Active Theology. He loves coffee dates with his wife, reading, and riding his bike. A few of his favorite things are third wave coffee, vanilla ice cream, and plain t-shirts.