Opening Prayer
Gracious God, I put myself before you in this moment with waiting heart, expectant desire. Open my eyes that I may see your promise fulfilled; open my ears that I may hear your word whispered to my deepest being.
Amen.
Passage
Isaiah 9:6-7
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. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Reflection - Josiah Shirek
What does it mean for Jesus to be our Prince of Peace?
Jesus brings peace to us internally. In Him, we are made right with God and can live at peace with ourselves knowing we are loved.
Jesus also came to bring peace externally. In Him, all wars, oppression, and injustice one day will end. Although we wait for the day when this will be complete, we get to be a part of that peacemaking everyday! This is what it means for us to belong to God’s kingdom; we are agents of His peace to the world around us.
What’s not at peace within you? Invite Jesus to be your Prince of Peace and reveal His presence in every part of your day. Also, where might the Holy Spirit be inviting you to usher peace into someone else's life? Ask God to lead you toward someone that needs His peace today.
Closing Prayer
My Lord, may all that I have seen of you and all that I have heard from your word now enflesh itself in me. Send me from this place as the incarnate promise of life to all whose life I will touch this day.
Amen.