Why Jesus Is Called the Prince of Peace

Hey, carpool crew. I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here today on Sunday, as we kick off a brand new week in our Advent journey. This week, we're talking all about peace, the kind of peace that only Jesus can bring. Last week we focused on hope, how God keeps his promises, and how his timing is also perfect. Now we're turning to something every person, every family, every kid really needs: peace. Our verse is from Isaiah chapter nine, verse six. Here's what it says. "For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named wonderful counselor, mighty God, eternal father, prince of peace." So what's the story behind this verse? Well, these words are from Isaiah. They were written hundreds of years before Jesus was born. At the time, the people of Israel were surrounded by conflict. Their leaders were struggling, their enemies were closing in, and fear was everywhere. And right in the middle of all that noise and worry, Isaiah gave them this promise. A child is coming, a Savior, and he will be called the Prince of Peace. What a title, Prince of Peace. Isn't that just a really nice name to have? It tells us what Jesus does. He doesn't just talk about peace. He creates it. He leads people to it. Wherever Jesus goes, peace follows. If Jesus were sitting with you this morning, maybe as you're eating breakfast or heading to church with your family, I think he'd say something like, you don't have to earn peace. I bring it with me wherever I am, peace will follow. He'd remind you that peace doesn't come from getting everything perfect because we won't. It's not about quiet rooms or calm days. It's about trusting that he's with you no matter what's going on. Think about times in your life that feel loud or stressful, maybe your siblings are arguing, your plans change and it really bums you out, or you just feel anxious for no clear reason. Peace doesn't mean pretending none of that is happening. It means inviting Jesus into the middle of it. You are not alone. So when things happen that feel tense or overwhelming, you can stop for a moment, take a breath before you react, before you do anything, and ask Jesus to sit with you in that moment. A couple deep breaths, because he's there, peace will show up. So how can you live this out today and this week? First, pause before reacting. When something stressful happens or something unexpected, before you react or say something you'll regret or hit the wall, take a breath before you speak or before you move, let peace settle. Second, pray in the middle of it. Just whisper to yourself, Jesus, bring your peace here. Maybe you whisper it to yourself at home or at school, or on the sports field, or at practice or rehearsal. Just say, Jesus, bring your peace here. And lastly, be a peacemaker. If someone else is upset, stay calm. You can be the one who helps others feel peaceful too. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace because peace isn't something he gives from far away. It's something he carries with him wherever he goes. So as you go through your day and through your week, remember, if Jesus is with you, peace already is too. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, if you love today's podcast, consider telling a kid's pastor or some of the other parents you see at church today about Carpooling with Jesus. We're kicking off a whole new week, and I think they're gonna love it. Before you go, let's answer this question together. When things start to feel stressful or loud, what's something you can do that helps you calm down? I'll see you tomorrow as we kick off a new week of Carpooling with Jesus.