Prince of Peace

I awoke this morning to a frightening headline: North Korea's communist leader, Kim Jong Il, had died. The media is already speculating about impending nuclear conflict; North Korea is said to have fired a test missile.

Next, the reporter informs viewers that violence erupted in Cairo, Egypt over military rule. A video is shown of a woman, partially clothed, being kicked in the chest by a soldier.

Finally, a man in New York City is taken to jail because he burned a 73 year old grandmother in an elevator. He explained that she owed him 2,000 dollars for work that he had completed in her apartment building. Naturally- burning her to death is the answer, right?!

I don't mean to sound apocalyptic, but when I see stories like this, I am ready to see Jesus again. In church yesterday, the worship leader referred to Isaiah 9:6 when he described Jesus...

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.

As a believer, I never understood why Christmas was celebrated more than Easter. After all, Easter was a day of "victory" for Christians. A few years ago, I realized why the Christmas season is so significant: December 25th is the day on which the God of the UNIVERSE made the epic decision to offer his son to us. That is, He made the choice to place this tiny, fragile baby in a manger. He made the decision to reach out to us- the selfish, violent, sinful human race- and give us this Savior.

'Prince of Peace' remained in my head throughout Sunday evening and this morning. As I watched the awful things unfold internationally this morning, I was struck by the irony. Our world is anything but peaceful. I couldn't help but think: What does God think as He looks down at us?

Is He disappointed? Probably, since He longs for each of us to love our neighbor as we love ourself. Yeah, we pretty much suck at that.
Is He angry? Most likely, as He witnesses brutal violence and selfish leadership.
Is He sad? Of course. His children are all hurting one another- emotionally and physically. Imagine all of your loved ones bickering constantly right in front of you or worse- attacking one another. I would probably see the future as bleak and hopeless.

Does He still love us and offer us redemption? Yes, amazingly. He has given us a COUNSELOR and a FATHER. He has given us solace. As we navigate through one scary and depressing world, we can hold on to the Prince of Peace.