For to us a child is born,

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.

Isaiah 6:7

The prophet Isaiah said the arrival of a child would bring peace. In our family, love and joy came with our kids, but peace? I sometimes wonder if Isaiah had experienced the sleepless nights and chaos of newborns! Peace wouldn’t be the first word I’d use to describe our home. Maybe you can relate. As a family of five (with three kids all under five), dishes and laundry pile up, and cereal—or sharp toys—is often underfoot. Maybe your home doesn’t look like mine, but the chaos of work, relationships, or health challenges might feel just as far from peaceful. The arrival of this baby brought peace. This must be some special child!

The second week of Advent focuses on Jesus, the Prince of Peace. In our culture, peace means calm and no conflict. In Scripture, peace means wholeness and restoration. It’s not about a neat and tidy life but a broken one made whole. It’s like a broken car repaired to be better than new, or bitter enemies becoming friends who support each other. This peace is unlike anything the world offers—it’s something we can’t achieve on our own.

Jesus became human to make peace between us and God through his life, death, and resurrection. Paul writes in Romans 5:10, “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.” The peace Jesus brought cost him everything, but it was driven by love for us, his enemies. His example calls us to pursue peace in our own relationships.

So even if my home isn’t always “tidy” or relationships are frustrating, my hope is in Christ, the Prince of Peace. His arrival created a pathway to peace with God and others. This Advent, where can you bring Christ’s peace into your life?

Zach Steele
Middle School Pastor