Session 4: Prince of Peace

As we near the end of Advent, we come closer than ever to the coming of Jesus once more into our hearts and our whole world. Take time to breathe in the closeness of Jesus as he nears his birth. Take time to breathe out any doubts, anxieties or fears. He comes to us as the Prince of Peace. Allow that peace to take over your body and mind.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Advent Scripture readings is the list of titles given to Jesus as the coming Messiah. These titles appear in the prophecies of Isaiah and in the wonderful O Antiphons of the liturgy for the final week of Advent. They are worth spending time on, reading out loud and savouring. Is there one that particularly appeals to you? Why is that? What does it say that’s important to you? Perhaps you want to make up and repeat your own special title. Take time to let whatever title appeals to you come to mind.

We listen now to the scripture reading from Isaiah ch. 9, vv. 6-7:

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.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

A hoped-for birth is always a moment of joyful anticipation. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth’s neighbours, many wonder, ‘What will this child turn out to be?’ Isaiah speaks of a child given to ‘us’ - not just the ‘Chosen people’ but the whole human race. So many of our Christmas carols express this confidence. What do those words say to you?

The angels’ message encourages all involved in Jesus’ birth to become pilgrims of hope: Elizabeth looks forward to her shame and humiliation being taken away when her son John is born. Gabriel promises Mary that nothing is impossible for God. The shepherds are promised ‘a joy to be shared by the whole people’. What hopes arise in you as you think of this birth?

But there are ambivalent reactions as well. Joseph is reassured in his doubt and promised that Mary’s expected child will take away the sins of the people. The Magi are filled with delight when they find the child, but the religious leaders are perturbed, and Herod reacts with murderous rage. For the powerful who are to be pulled down from their thrones, the arrival of the Wonderful Counsellor and Prince of Peace is nothing but bad news.

Take time now to express any hopes and fears, praise or doubt to God, or to engage in a heart to heart with anyone in the Christmas story you want to speak to. Maybe you’d like to repeat the title you want to give to Jesus or maybe you want to be like Mary and just take time to ponder these things and treasure them in your heart.

O Emmanuel, our lawgiver and king; come and save us, O Lord our God. Amen