Day 25:
The Prince of Peace
“For unto us a child is born… and his name shall be called… The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
Morning Devotion
Peace.
It is a short word, but it carries the weight of every human heart. We chase it in quiet mornings and pray for it in stormy nights. We write it on Christmas cards and wish it into conversations. But most days, peace feels like something just out of reach.
Isaiah looked through centuries of darkness and saw a light, a Child who would carry titles the world had never seen: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
That title still echoes across the ages. It tells us peace is not a philosophy, a feeling, or a vacation spot. Peace is a Person.
Jesus does not hand out temporary calm like a medication for anxiety. He is peace. When He reigns in the heart, turmoil loses its throne.
A Porch Story
One warm evening last summer, I was sitting on the porch swing watching the fireflies dance across the yard. A storm had rolled through earlier, lightning, thunder, rain pounding the roof like a drum line. But now the world was still again. The air smelled of rain and renewal.
As I rocked, I thought about how storms can come and go fast, but peace, real peace, does not depend on the weather.
That was when I heard the faint creak of the screen door. Little Addi Jo came out, clutching her blanket. “Papa,” she said, “I was scared when it was loud.”
I pulled her onto my lap, and she snuggled close. “I know, sweetheart,” I whispered, “but look, the storm is over now.”
She looked up at the stars, sighed, and said, “It is pretty again.”
That is the Prince of Peace at work, calming storms outside and storms inside, turning fear into beauty. The same voice that said “Peace, be still” to the sea still whispers it to our souls.
The Gift of His Peace
When Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection, His first words were not, “Where were you?” or “Why did you run?” His first words were, “Peace be unto you.”
That is the heart of the gospel, not condemnation but calm, not shame but shalom.
Peace with God comes first, purchased at the cross. Then peace from God follows, flowing into the corners of our lives.
He makes peace between us and Heaven, but He also brings peace into our homes, our minds, and our relationships.
If you have been restless lately, take heart. The Prince still reigns. His kingdom is not chaos. It is calm.
A Little Porchside Theology
The Hebrew word for peace, “shalom,” means wholeness, nothing missing and nothing broken. That is what Jesus brings, the mending of what sin shattered.
The world’s peace depends on circumstances. God’s peace depends on closeness.
You cannot control the wind, but you can choose where to anchor.
When Jesus is the anchor, you might still feel the waves, but you will not be swept away.
Life Application
When worry creeps in today, and it will, pause right where you are. Put your hand over your heart and whisper:
“Prince of Peace, rule here.”
Do it in traffic. Do it before that meeting. Do it when the phone rings with news you did not expect.
Peace is not found in escape. It is found in exchange, trading control for trust.
You might also try a simple evening ritual this week. Before bed, list three small things that brought you calm, a quiet moment, a kind word, a deep breath. Gratitude clears space for peace to settle in.
Prayer
Prince of Peace,
Thank You for stepping into the noise of my world and bringing Your stillness.
Calm my anxious thoughts. Guard my heart and mind with Your presence.
Teach me to rest when I cannot fix, to trust when I cannot see, and to breathe when I forget.
Let Your peace flow through me, not just to comfort me, but to bless those around me.
When chaos calls for my attention, let my first reflex be to call Your name.
In Jesus’ peaceful name, Amen.
Reflection Question / Journal Prompt
Where in your life do you most need His peace to reign today?
Write this prayer in your journal:
“Prince of Peace, sit on the throne of my heart.”
Then describe one practical step you will take to nurture peace, maybe limiting the news, forgiving someone, resting without guilt, or worshiping instead of worrying.
Peace grows where trust is planted.
Evening Reflection
The night air is gentle now. A few crickets sing, and the world seems to exhale after another busy day.
Before you turn out the lights, pause for a moment of porchside prayer. Whisper softly:
“Jesus, You are my peace.”
Let those words settle the dust of your mind.
Peace is not fragile. He is formidable. The same Savior who silenced storms still guards your soul tonight.
If dread tries to rise at two in the morning, put your hand over your heart and say again, “Prince of Peace, reign here.”
He is not merely offering you a feeling. He is offering you Himself.
So rest easy, knowing the King of calm holds your tomorrow.
The world may roar, but your soul can still rock steady on the porch of His presence.
Sleep in that assurance, friend. You are safe under the rule of the Prince of Peace.
Michael Joe Harvell 