Dear Friends,
Here is a prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus that is often read at Christmas time. It speaks of Jesus, the light of the world, bringing a permanent end to war and establishing a time of peace and freedom that will continue into eternity.
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
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 peace that is described here will not extend across the whole earth until Jesus returns at the end of this age. However, it is already beginning in the hearts and lives of those who have been reborn in Jesus, thereby becoming citizens of the kingdom that is to come. Jesus, the present and coming king of the universe, did not bring about his victory through the power of weapons and armies but through renouncing the power of weapons and armies and embracing the power of love. As unpopular as this is, those who claim him as their God and their brother must do the same. In this way, the peace that is to come begins in us.
A prayer for peace:
Jesus, let your peace begin in me. Free me from the delusion that violence is necessary because it is the only way to bring an end to the evil of violence. Show me instead that only love has the power to defeat evil. Free me from the delusion that protecting myself or others I care about from harm is the most important thing in the universe. Show me instead what matters most to you. And teach me to walk today in the way of the kingdom that is to come.
Love in Christ,
Michelle
