John Lennon wrote the words, 

So this is Christmas 
And what have you done? 
Another year over 
And a new one just begun…

A very merry Christmas 
And a happy New Year 
Let’s hope it’s a good one 
Without any fear 

Perhaps it’s not his most profound lyric, but then Lennon closes the song with – 

War is over 
If you want it 
War is over 
Now 

In this lyric, Lennon touched on one of our deepest desires as humans – the desire for peace. But John Lennon wasn’t able to deliver on ending war or all people living together as one. In fact, throughout history, while we do see resolution to conflict come about, it’s never long until something else brings tyranny and upheaval. You only need to turn on the news for two minutes to see this.

It’s clear that no matter our efforts, there will always be conflict among us, whether it’s between friends, spouses, political parties or even entire countries. Even the rise of mental health challenges suggests that within ourselves, we are craving true peace of mind. 

Jesus the Prince of Peace

That is why Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 9 verse 6 is such a bright light for this generation:

“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.” 

The ultimate answer to our internal and external strife isn’t a meeting with human resources, or an appointment with a marriage counselor or a long conversation between two friends — although these certainly may help! The real and lasting answer is an encounter with a unique person: Jesus.

The way to true, everlasting peace is by trusting in the Prince of Peace. 

For Christians, that is truly the beauty of Christmas. It is a time to praise God because he came down to earth to be born as a baby, to bring reconciliation in the most profound broken relationship in the world, the root of all human brokenness, the war between God and man. 

He did that by dying on the cross and defeating death so that, by trusting in him, we can have eternal peace with God. 

Father, thank you that we can look towards heaven with you where you will wipe away every tear, where there really will be no more war, where peace will be the norm and not something we have to search for. Would you help us pour out thankfulness to you this Christmas for sending the Prince of Peace to be our savior? Amen.