Ponder Ephesians 2:12-20

Verse for Today: "For unto us a child is born, unto 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" (Isaiah 9:6).

Peace. The word is on everyone's lips. Governments arbitrate for it, soldiers die for it, and people everywhere pray for it. As Joseph Conrad said, "What all men are really after is some form, or perhaps only some formula, of peace." The only trouble is, they're not looking for peace in the right places.

Permanent peace cannot be found on this earth. The peace that soothes men's spirits and heals their souls comes only from God. More precisely, it came from God as a baby born in a manger. The prophet Isaiah called him the "Prince of Peace." Zacharias prophesied that he would "guide our feet into the way of peace" (Luke 1:79). Angels said that on earth he would bring "peace among men" (Luke 2:14).

Jesus, our Prince of Peace, said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you" (John 14:27). No, Jesus didn't come to give us the peace the world is searching for. The world can never give us the peace of Christ, for He gave His life to reconcile us to God through the cross. Without His sacrifice, we would be alienated from God. Through Jesus, we have access to God, and we are fellow-citizens of the household of God (Ephesians 2:18-20).

Yes, unto us a child is born. Through Him, we have peace with God, and no one can take it from us. He is Wonderful, our Counselor, our Mighty God who is with us, our Prince of Peace. Through Him all things in earth and in heaven have peace with God (Colossians 1:20). He is the only formula for peace.

Song: "Peace, Perfect Peace"

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us and all men to recognize that the only way to have peace with you and to enter Your kingdom is through our Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray. Amen.

Donna Wittlif is the author of Christian fiction for young adults and adults. Her new book Finding Her Heart is about a young woman who is heartbreakingly lonely. Is it because she has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome? See how God helps her find true love. www.donnarwittlif.com