Peace or Panic?

“We live in a time and place that has become super stressed out, and it may seem next to impossible to experience peace.”

Christmas is supposed to be the season of peace, but for many it has felt like a season of panic. I’ve been pastoring for a long time. When I first started, I barely heard of anyone having a panic attack. Now, on a regular basis, I pray with people experiencing such high levels of stress that they begin to hyperventilate, can’t think straight, and even feel like they will die. We live in a time and place that has become super stressed out, and it may seem next to impossible to experience peace.

Today I want to remind you that the Bible calls Jesus the Prince of Peace. In Isaiah chapter 9, the prophet predicted Jesus’ birth, hundreds of years before the fact. Isaiah said Jesus would be born in Bethlehem and come from the line of David. “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” (Isa. 9:6).

Isaiah gives Jesus this extraordinary title: Prince of Peace. As prince, He rules over peace, and with His birth He ushered it in for us. In Luke 2:13–14 it says, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God.” Imagine being witness to that heavenly birth announcement. Dark skies were suddenly illuminated, filled with God’s glory, and accompanied by a “great company” of heavenly hosts. This was like no earthly birth announcement; God was announcing the birth of His Son. The angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

The birth announcement of the Prince of Peace meant that peace would be coming to earth. In His final teaching time, before His crucifixion, Jesus said to His disciples, “Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

As a follower of Jesus, you cannot embrace the royalty of Jesus and the kingdom of God without being touched by the peace of God. Jesus came so you could have peace. Peace of mind is the spiritual birthright of every believer.