best bible verses ever: sar shalom, the Prince of peace

Isaiah 9:6. NKJV
For unto us a son is born. Unto us a son is given. And the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Most of us have established Christmas traditions. One of mine is to listen to Handel’s Messiah on full blast while I decorate the house and cook for Christmas. And early in the oratorio there is a duet chorus called For Unto Us a Child is Born. The lyrics are taken straight from Isaiah 9:6 and the four names of Jesus are the crucial component. And it doesn’t matter how often I hear it sung I am amazed by the comprehensive nature of Jesus. He is the answer to every need we will ever have.

And in this season I suspect our particular need might be for peace - peace for now and for the future - and - let me tell you - this verse tells us Jesus is ‘sar shalom’ which means the Prince of prosperity, the giver of all blessing. We can draw deeply on the peace of Jesus in this season because our Wonderful Jesus is peace, has an unlimited store of peace, and wants us to share in his peace.

I love how the AMP translates Colossians 3:15 as Paul talks about peace.  "Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always].

Thank God today for the peace that passes all understanding and the Saviour who has claimed it for you for eternity.

Until next time.

L x

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