The Prince of Peace

Dr. Maongwati Aier (IAS) Rtd


Peace is the most common, familiar, popular word for everyone all over the world. It is the desire and cry of every human heart and soul to have peace. Peace may meant to different persons — some say peace means absence of war, some say cordial co-existence between men to men. The word peace here speaks of not what the world can give but this peace talks about divine peace as Jesus Himself said, "I will give peace which the world cannot give." This peace speaks of — (a) physical soundness (b) mental soundness (c) spiritual soundness. 


Peace on Earth: Since Adam's sin men have been separated from God and there was constant tribal feuds and war. This gap has been bridged with the birth of Christ on Earth as announced and proclaimed by the angels "peace on Earth and good will toward man". Luke 2:14 


Factors that reject this Peace: This peace came to the world in the fullness of time, yet people were pre-occupied with isms for which there was no room for Christ in the inn. 


Roman Imperialism: Augustus Caesar was trying to conquer and dominate the whole world for which there was no room for Christ. Power and greed was dominant in the minds of all rulers and administrators. 


Materialism: People under Roman rule had flourished a lot and hence there was no room to accept Christ Rather they were gripped by wealth and power. 


Hellenism: During Greek rule their language and culture has been imparted to all irrespective of Castes and creeds. And the common people were pre-occupied with human philosophies and education. 


Judaism: The Priest, Elders, Sadducees, were chosen by people who had authority over politics and religion. And they were pre-occupied with their orthodoxy in faith, and had no room for Christ. 


Retrospection  


Looking back into our society, we are perplexed to see things around. The so called Christian majority state is being filled with all sorts of unwanted scenes pre-occupied with killing of own brothers, hatred among brethren, refusing to reconcile with one another, and corruptions at all levels in our society. Each one is busy for one's own power and fame. There no room for Christ like in the days of Caesars Augustus. There is no room for Christ among Christians as we are occupied with programs and activities rather than our devotion to Christ. Thus every citizen, every member of the Church today needs to re-examine ourselves whether there is room for Christ in our heart. The vacuum in our heart can be filled only by Christ. May this coming Christmas bring real peace and joy to us through Christ, the Prince of Everlasting Peace.