A Season of Reflection Week 2: The Preparation for Peace
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For to us a child is born, to 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. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)
While not many Christmas hymns specifically mention peace, here are two that echo this theme. The Latin hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful” gives us a glimpse into how we are to adore our Prince of Peace. Read the first and fourth verses and consider how God calls his faithful ones to him.
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, born the King of angels;
O come , let us adore him,
O come , let us adore him,
O come , let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Yea, Lord we greet thee, born this happy morning:
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, late in flesh appearing;
O come , let us adore him,
O come , let us adore him,
O come , let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Another Charles Wesley hymn bides us to praise the Prince of Peace in “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.” All three verses give us the story of his birth and purpose succinctly.
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king.”
Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the’incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king.”
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, ris’n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that men no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king.”
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Deagreez
