The Prince of Peace

“Peace throughout the World.” The message imprinted on coins minted after Marcus Otho became emperor of Rome in January, 69 AD. Just a few months earlier, he had been a governor in Spain. Then, a rebellion began brewing against Nero, who had been emperor. But after Nero committed suicide and other leaders were murdered, Otho was proclaimed as the new emperor—a development that surprised many.

Otho might have hoped for peace, but in fact his reign was a time of violence. He ruled little more than three months and he was one of four emperors to rule Rome within a space of a year. In spite of the message on his coins, there was little peace.

A few years earlier, in an obscure stable in a far-off province of Rome’s empire, a Baby was born. Rome, so often preoccupied with politics, power, and pleasure, knew nothing of His birth. But centuries before, the prophet Isaiah had foretold that this Child would be the “Prince of Peace.”

When the angels announced His birth, they sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14). Yet His birth inaugurated an era of a different kind of peace. He brought peace that was a by-product of a life committed to knowing and serving Him. It was supernatural peace, a part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Peace that only He can give us, a peace that is “not as the world gives” (John 14:27).

Today, He still offers us His peace. Do you need peace in your life? Turn to the Prince of Peace. And dedicate your life to bringing His peace to a world overwhelmed with turmoil and problems.