“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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” These words were spoken to the people of Israel around 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. For generation after generation people rebelled and turned away from God. Israel failed to accept God as a peacemaker, a peace-bringer, they were in a desperate way, longing for political peace under Roman rule. They were looking for peace down the wrong Roman roads. Perhaps we too look for peace down the wrong ten-foots. Empowered by God’s Holy Spirit, Jesus came to bring peace, ‘Peace on Earth’ for any who believe in His name.

2700 years on, those words from Isaiah chapter 9 remain relevant for us today. Our world is desperate to know, to discover, to realise, true peace.

I’ll assume you’re not living in Israel as you read this, unless you’re reading online over there! Perhaps you’re also not at peace, with God, with others, or with yourself. This December peace may feel like a distant concept for you. Maybe you feel despair at the political landscape. Perhaps your family are at loggerheads. Or maybe you are just consumed by the demands of life. Over the coming weeks we’ve got a packed programme of services and events, and perhaps even these can seem overwhelming. I hope it’s encouraging for you to know, you’re not alone! That we as a church family have a great opportunity to use the ‘Peace on Earth’ Christmas programme to journey together, to invite others to encounter the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This month offers an opportunity to spend time with the Christchild and experience the peace He offers. Peace that our world needs, and if we’re honest, peace that many of us, and those in our parish and city, are searching for.

During the Advent season, we look to the Second Coming of Jesus, and in our waiting, in our expectation, we’re reminded of another prophecy in the book of Isaiah in chapter 53, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace ultimately gave His life in place of ours and because of His death, we have a way to His peace, both on earth, and into eternal life.

I pray you can find comfort and hope in that promise.

With love, Dan, Community Minister