“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)

The prophecy of Jesus the Messiah names Him the “Prince of Peace.” How is Christ the Prince of Peace? We can answer this by considering the peace He brought at His first coming and the peace He will bring at His second.

At His first coming Jesus came to make peace with God. The Prince of Peace reconciled sinners to God through His death on the cross: “Upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace” (Isaiah 53:5 ESV). He did not come primarily to offer earthly tranquility but rather spiritual tranquility for those who are united to Him by faith. Jesus Himself said, “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division” (Luke 12:51 ESV).

But in the spiritual realm Jesus satisfied the just wrath of God so that sinners could be forgiven and brought to peace with a holy God: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:13-14 ESV). Thus to us who are reconciled to God through Jesus, our Lord says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27 ESV).

At His second coming Jesus will bring peace on earth. The Prince of Peace will return as King, conquer all enemies, and establish His kingdom over all the earth. This earthly tranquility will finally fulfill the words of Isaiah: “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom” (Isaiah 9:7 ESV). Jesus will establish a peace both political and global: “He shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth” (Zechariah 9:10 ESV).

When the Prince of Peace reigns on earth the two aspects of His peace-making will merge. Those whom Christ made at peace with God will reign on earth where Christ has made peace among men. We the redeemed will see the climax of the peace won by the Prince as we live in peace on earth – at peace with God and with man. Thus the angels proclaimed when the Prince of Peace was born:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14 KJV)

This Christmas song celebrates that angelic announcement when our Savior was born: