The Prince of Peace

“For unto us a child 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.” ~ Isaiah 9:6

During this Christmas season, as all Christmas seasons since the United States invaded Iraq and Afghanistan, we have been inundated with news stories about U.S. soldiers stationed overseas who are separated from their families. We are implored to send care packages to the troops because they miss their families and all the Christmas celebrations in the United States.

But this Christmas season, some—like the family in Pasadena, Texas, who put up holiday decorations in their lawn of medallions representing each branch of the military—also want to remind us that the troops are making our Christmas celebrations possible by defending our freedoms (the ones that the government is steadily taking away) and keeping us safe from terrorist attacks (unless we live in San Bernardino). The troops are stationed “over there” so we can celebrate Christmas “over here.”

The Prince of Peace is the light of the world (John 8:12); the god of war plunges the world into darkness.

The Prince of Peace is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25); the god of war is the wounder and taker of life.

The Prince of Peace was made to be sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21); the god of war wants men to commit sin.

The Prince of Peace is the mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5); the god of war is the separator of God from men.

The Prince of Peace is the Saviour of men (Titus 1:4); the god of war is the enemy of men.

The Prince of Peace forgives (Colossians 3:13); the god of war punishes.

The Prince of Peace suffered for us (1 Peter 2:21); the god of war wants men to suffer on the battlefield.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas, not a military one. Worship and serve the Prince of Peace, not the god of war.

For the best in in-depth history and examination of the god of war, see The God of War, by Joseph Judson Taylor—a minister and a man of peace.

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