5) Birthrite: Prince of Peace

Portrait of Amba by Errol Brewster,
National Portrait Gallery.
See Demerara Rebellion of 1823

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. 

From the Hebrew "Pele-joez-el-gibbor-abi-ad-sar-shalom" I read the direct transition as "Wonderful in counsel is God the mighty, the Everlasting Father, the Ruler of Peace" (Hertz 1968).

There is something wonderful about the word Shalom.  Just the sound of the word entones serenity rather than war.  

War appears as an inevitability in human history.  Some definitions of 'peace' can be deceptive.  The Pax Roman maintained a sort of peace across europe, but it was not real peace.  Sweden apparently has not been at war since 1814.  Switzerland gained it's independence from France in 1848, and has not been at war since.  But Switzerland is a marshal land with conscription and many guns hidden under many beds. 

The prince of peace heralds a new culture, very different from the one we are used to.  We can understand that if 'the prince of peace' was born into a country such as Ukraine, or Palestine/Israel the idea of not having a position on war would be a confusing anathema.  Our saviour come to us with Peace.  I honour all who come in the name of peace in our ravaged world.  

Liberation Theology speaks of the freedom the Spirit provides to enable us to separate from the 'jackboot' resting on the head of the oppressed, and rise up  unmolested and fly....

Verse 5 from Isaiah Chapter 9  says:-

Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood

will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

War will come to an end.  It's day is done.  We have a new culture that is counter cultural.

PRAYER: Peace now, and peace to come.