January 3: Prince of Peace
WEEK SIX
January 3- January 7
THE PRINCE OF PEACE
For a brief moment on Christmas Eve when we join hands in a candle lit church and quietly sing "Silent Night,"it seems that “all is calm” and everything is right with the world. Yet as long as humans roam the earth, catastrophic violence and mayhem will abound. Christians believe that salvation entered the world when Christ was born and that His gospel of love and peace is both the beginning and the end of human history. The teachings of The Prince of Peace radically alter the way we are called to live in this broken world. His salvation not only reconciles us to God, but insists that we learn to love and embrace our enemies. “Make me a channel of Your Peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love.”
Sunday, January 3
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6
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.
PRINCE OF PEACE
When I was growing up, children looked forward to Christmas with great expectations. The whole month of December had an air of celebration. Family members and friends came home for Christmas. We attended Christmas Eve service to usher in the Christmas Day. In excitement, we children fought hard to stay awake. Before dawn our families were up to finish the Christmas day cooking. We were often awakened by muffled but excited voices and ruckus coming from the kitchen. We could hardly contain ourselves as we got ready for Christmas Day worship in our new clothes. We went from one house to another eating and wishing adults happy Christmas in hope of gifts of money. This continued until late in the evening. We returned home tired and continued the next day—the festive mood lasted through New Year’s Day. As children, we had no worries or cares. We trusted our parents to ensure our provision and peace. This was a taste of heaven for everyone and especially the children.
On Christmas Eve of 2010, while people were doing last minute shopping, bombs exploded in Jos, Nigeria killing over 100 people. This shattered the joyous atmosphere. There was no peace in the city. The few churches that opened were sparsely attended. The city was a ghost town. People were mourning instead of rejoicing.
Israel was in a similarly gloomy situation when Christ was born. God’s judgment predicted war, distress, darkness, and fearful gloom in Isaiah chapter 8. However, chapter 9 begins with this remarkable promise of reversal “there will be no more gloom for those who are in distress.” There will be release from oppression, cessation of war, and birth of an ideal ruler, Jesus Christ. The peace that Christ brings has no end. The last title—“Prince of Peace”—sums up his rule. The peace He brings is complete, whole, and in harmony with God and with people.
The music that accompanies the video in this devotion showcases the works of several African artists. El Anatsui’s abstract images appear during the chorus. Anatsui lives and works in Nigeria. His artwork has Christological themes, combining motifs from his native country of Ghana with his country of residence fusing local and global concerns. He uses discarded common objects to create his intricate and massive works.
As we come to the end of this season, I pray that we will remember the plight of thousands of Christians and millions of people in the Middle East, Nigeria, and around the world who are displaced and going through severe hardship. You may also be going through difficult times yourself. Be encouraged! “The darkness and distress are real but they are neither the only reality nor the fundamental reality.” The reality that Jesus the Prince of Peace creates is the ultimate reality about your situation and condition. Meditate on the truth that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and there is no end to the peace He brings. Seek ways to bring this peace to those around you and beyond.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
we are horrified at violence
in so many parts of the world.
It seems that none are safe, and some are terrified.
Hold back the hands that kill and maim;
turn around the hearts that hate.
Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace,
grant instead to those who are hurting and also to us
your strong Spirit of Peace—
peace that passes our understanding
and also changes lives,
in your name.
Amen. [Adapted from Church of England Prayer]
Bulus Galadima, Dean, Cook School of Intercultural Studies
Unto Us
CCCA STAFF Video
About the Video
The exuberant songs of the African Seraph Choir are coupled here with art that reflects the same spirit. Images have been selected from a variety of styles and viewpoints to accentuate the celebratory mood. Backgrounds for the names of Christ are details taken from pieces by the contemporary Ghanaian sculptor, El Anatsui (b. 1944). Anatsui has garnered international attention for his iconic “bottle-top installations,” large-scale assemblages made up of thousands of pieces of aluminum caps resourced from recycling stations and sewn together with copper wire and transformed into metallic cloth-like wall pieces that are nothing short of mesmerizing.
About the Music
“Unto Us A Child Is Born”
Lyrics
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
And the government shall be upon His shoulders.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,
And the government shall be upon His shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful, Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God.
The Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Mighty God.
And there shall be no end to the increase of His rule,
To the increase of His government and peace.
For He shall sit on David’s throne, upholding righteousness,
Our God shall accomplish this.
And He will be called Wonderful, Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God.
The Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Mighty God.
For He is their Mighty God, He is their Prince of Peace,
Their King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Full honor to the king, full glory to His name,
For now and evermore.
And He will be called Wonderful, Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God.
The Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Mighty God. (3x)
About the Performers
The Seraph African Choir has been together since 1992. All of its members are British citizens originally from the central African countries of Angola and The Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly known as Zaire).Though the choir represents a variety of churches, they are all united in their Christian faith and love of music and singing. Before joining in England, the members belonged to choirs in Africa, and they sing in a variety of languages and styles. Their singing style is particularly distinctive because of the intricate harmonies and the mixture of folk, traditional, and religious songs. Unto Us a Child is Born can be found on their second album Christmas in Africa. The album is a beautiful compilation of traditional Christmas songs and carols sung in English, French and various African languages--an unique expression of the celebration of Christmas.