The Messiah, the prince of Peace

December 21, 2025
Scripture:Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
“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.”

Introduction – What Kind of Peace Do We Really Want?

All of us long for peace. But when we hear the word “peace,” we often imagine a world without war, a life without conflict, or days without storms. Yet reality is very different. Even if there is no war, our hearts may be in conflict. Our homes may feel tense. Our society is filled with loneliness, division, and anxiety. Outwardly there may be peace, but inwardly we may have none.

The time when Isaiah spoke this prophecy was similar. The nation was shaken, fear of war surrounded the people, and their hearts were filled with anxiety. Into that darkness, God spoke a promise of salvation:

“A child will be given.”

Humanly speaking, we would expect stronger armies, better leaders, or greater economic power. But God gave a child. God’s way was not power, force, or domination, but love, forgiveness, and peace.
That child was Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

“Prince of Peace” — Sar Shalom

“Prince of Peace” in Hebrew is: Sar Shalom

Sar: This word means more than “prince.”
It means:

• ruler
• one who governs
• one who bears responsibility and authority

In other words, “the ruler who governs peace.”
He is not simply a symbolic figure of peace.
He is the One who actively rules, establishes, and governs peace.

Shalom

“Shalom” means much more than “no conflict.”
Biblically it means:

• completeness
• nothing lacking
• restoration of relationships
• health, protection, and blessing
• the state of life being as God intended

Shalom is the world and life fully aligned with God’s will.

So, Sar Shalom means: The sovereign ruler who creates peace, sustains peace, and brings peace to completion.

Many movements in the world pursue “peace,” and that is good. But peace is not only a political issue. Unless people receive inner peace from God and are moved to love their neighbors, human campaigns will always remain limited.

Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

This is the transformation that happens when a person receives Jesus as the Messiah. Those who receive peace from Him begin to create peace in the world.

I. Peace Begins with Our Relationship with God

Human peace is always incomplete because our relationship with God is broken.

• Political peace is temporary
• Military balance is unstable
• Surface reconciliation easily collapses

The real problem is not external. It is inside us—sin and self-centeredness.
Therefore, the Prince of Peace first gives salvation.

Romans 5:1 (ESV)
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

When peace with God is restored, inner peace is born. And when inner peace comes, peace begins to flow into relationships around us.

Peace with God → Peace in the heart → Peace with others
This is the order of peace the Bible teaches.

II. Peace with Ourselves and Peace with Others

Those who are reconciled to God are then led to: peace with themselves,
and then peace with their neighbors.

Many of us are not primarily fighting external battles.
We are fighting inside:

• regret from the past
• disappointment in ourselves
• comparison with others
• constant self-condemnation

Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

This also means, “See yourself as a precious being loved by God.”

When we begin to see ourselves as loved and accepted by God, we gradually regain peace within. Our wounded hearts are healed by His love.

And that peace moves outward — toward others.

We all have relational wounds:

• resentment
• unresolved tension
• words we swallowed
• relationships that stopped

“Love your neighbor as yourself” is not simply a command of human effort.
When we are filled with God’s love, that love naturally flows toward others.

Prayer helps this deeply. When we begin praying for the person we could not forgive, the Holy Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts. When the heart changes, actions can also change.

The Prince of Peace not only heals our hearts; He gives new beginnings in broken relationships.

One person who embodied this was Francis of Assisi. He prayed:
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

This is not simply a beautiful poem. It is the declaration of someone who has surrendered to the Prince of Peace. We do not create peace by our strength. God’s peace flows through us—into our homes, churches, workplaces, and society.

III. The Completion of Peace — The Final Shalom

Isaiah 9 is ultimately a prophecy about the Messianic Kingdom.

One day:

• every tear will be wiped away
• wars will end
• the Kingdom of God will be complete
• perfect Shalom will fill creation

This is the ultimate goal of the Prince of Peace. God’s peace has a “now” and “not yet.”

Now — The Age of Grace

Through the cross and resurrection, Jesus has opened the way of salvation.
Today Jesus is not ruling by the sword. He is inviting sinners, forgiving them, and reconciling them to God.

That is why today is:

• a time of repentance
• a time when reconciliation with God is possible
• a time to preach the gospel of peace to the world

2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

But One Day Jesus Will Return
He will not come as a baby, but as the King of Kings.
He will reign over the world as the true sovereign King.

On that day:

• injustice will be judged
• evil will be removed
• conflict will cease
• tears will be wiped away
• the world will finally enter true peace

The Prince of Peace is not only “someone who calms our hearts.” He is the King who will complete history and bring final Shalom to the world.

Conclusion
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, is the One who:

• gives peace with God
• gives peace in our hearts
• heals relationships
• and will one day bring perfect peace to the world

He came once for us. He will come again. Until then, let us live as people who create peace.

Closing Prayer

Prince of Peace, Lord Jesus Christ, in this Advent season we remember Your birth and look forward to Your return. Thank You for coming as light into our darkness.

You did not rule by power, but brought peace through love and forgiveness.
Help us first to truly taste peace with You— to live as forgiven and deeply loved children of God.

Fill our hearts with Your peace this Christmas season. Give comfort to the anxious, companionship to the lonely, and new hope to the weary.

Let Your peace flow into our homes, our church, and our society. Heal broken relationships. Bring reconciliation and forgiveness. Make us instruments of Your peace.

We trust in the promise that one day You will complete Shalom in this world.
Help us walk with hope until that day.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.