The Prince of Shalom

Like many over the past few weeks, I’ve been watching this season of The Crown recently released on Netflix. These new episodes focus mainly on the life of Charles, Prince of Wales, and his marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales. Even though their happily ever after ending was not to be, the life of Prince Charles continues to capture the world’s interest and fascination as it has since his birth over 70 years ago.

As the longest-serving heir apparent to the British throne, Prince Charles’ life carries weight and significance as he will one day become King and ensure the future of the British monarchy. While he isn’t King yet, the royal titles he’s earned or been given continue to grow. Check out his current title:

His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales, Knight of the Garter, Knight of the Thistle, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, Order of Merit, Knight of the Order of Australia, Companion of the Queen’s Service Order, Order of Canada, Privy Counsellor, Aide-de-Camp, Earl of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland.

Titles of Another Royal Prince
2700 years ago, the Bible predicted the coming of another prince who would captivate the world and change history forever:
“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 Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)

This is one of the hundreds of prophecies concerning Jesus that were fulfilled and mentions just a few of his titles. As you may have noticed already with royalty, Jesus also has many other names and titles – over 150.

From this amazing prophetic verse, we discover that:

1. Jesus was born for us. He was not born for himself and he was given as a gift to us from heaven.
2. Jesus is destined to be the head of all government. Did you notice it didn’t say “A” government will be on his shoulders, but “The” government? Humankind has proven over our history that we can’t govern ourselves. We need a saviour to govern us on the inside and the out and there will come a day – a second Advent – when Jesus returns to earth and this verse will be fully realized.
3. The world would marvel at Jesus’ life and words. As the Wonderful Counsellor, he would work “wonders” and miracles and his truth would resonate and bring great help and clarity to people.
4. Jesus would demonstrate that God is alive and powerful. Jesus showed us what a Mighty God looks like and how he can work in our lives.
5. The world would discover that Jesus is timeless. The title, Everlasting Father could be also be translated as the Father of Forever. Jesus was not just a man. He has always existed and will always be the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end.
6. Jesus would truly bring peace to the world. Many leaders, including the Prince of Wales, have tried and will continue working to achieve peace throughout our world but as the Prince of Peace, this is Jesus’ domain and only through him will we truly find it.

What does peace look like?

The ancient Hebrew word for peace, shalom, is still a widely-used salutation today among Jewish people. Not just referring to the absence of war, shalom means wholeness, soundness, prosperity health and safety. During the Christmas season we celebrate that Jesus came to earth to restore shalom for the whole world and His peace is available to all who will receive it.

A New Title

When Jesus returns to earth for all to see, the Bible says he will carry a new title:
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse,
whose rider is called Faithful and True.
On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11a, 19:16 NIV)

This holiday season we are filled with hope as we anticipate the future return of Jesus, the Faithful and True One, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
If you’ve never received Jesus as your King and Lord, we invite you this Christmas to believe in him and experience his peace. Right at this moment, you can pray this prayer out loud:
“Dear God, I don’t want to let this Christmas go by without experiencing your peace. Come into my life and reveal yourself to me. I receive the gift of your Son and I put my trust in Jesus Christ to give me wholeness and make me a new person.”
If you prayed this prayer, we would love to support you in this new life of faith as you grow in God’s peace. Click HERE for next steps.
Also, if the “Pray With A Pastor” button is visible on your screen, you may click now to pray with one of us and be encouraged in your next steps.