Prince of Peace, 21 December 2025
21 12 25 Filed in: Sermons | Handel's Messiah
Prince of Peace
Handel’s Messiah
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
December 21, 2025
Isaiah 9:6
Series Big Idea: Handel’s Messiah may be the greatest work of music ever created, bringing praise and glory to the Creator.
Big Idea: Jesus the Messiah is the Prince of Peace.
Advent Theme: peace
What do you want for Christmas?
Most of us no longer visit Santa to tell him about the toy or doll we want, but each of us has desires, whether it’s a more expensive toy like a car, a real-life doll like a spouse, or something far more grandiose like world peace.
Our text today is quite short, a prophet proclamation issued around 700 BC that describes the Messiah, the subject of Handel’s musical masterpiece and the reason we’re here thousands of years later.
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)
Jesus the Messiah is the Prince of Peace. He’s the other things, too, but our theme today is peace. The original Hebrew word, shalom, is one I use frequently. It’s one of the most beautiful words in the world, not only speaking of the absence of conflict but also completeness, soundness, well-being, perfect, prosperity…things we all seek every day.
It's no secret that our world is torn apart by wars and rumors of wars, whether they are wager on battlefields or social media. If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why is there so much evil and hatred in our world?
First, God is giving satan a season to lie, steal, kill, and destroy. Why? I don’t fully understand, but it has something to do with testing and character development. Jesus’ half-brother, James wrote,
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
Second, I believe there is evil in the world now to cause us to draw close to God, to need God, to reach out, to pray. How desperate are you for God? If your Christmas shopping is done, the cookies have been baked, and you just learned about getting a raise in the new year, perhaps you are comfortable and even complacent. Contrast that with the unhoused, the lonely, the widow, the legal immigrant begging God for provision.
Let me offer a third reason God allows evil now in our world: for us to be peace makers. Jesus said,
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
He didn’t say blessed are the peacekeepers, but blessed are those who make peace. Peace keeping sometimes involves avoiding conflict or experiencing false peace. Peace making is when we enter into spaces of conflict, get involved, take risks, and sometimes pay the price. When we ask God—or Santa—for peace on earth, could it be that we are the ones who need to take action?
Our example, of course, is Jesus. He entered difficult spaces (including a manger), had difficult conversations, and spoke the truth in love, even when it was unpopular, even when it got him killed!
Jesus wasn’t afraid to engage people and say hard things. He refused to follow the crowd, yet invited them into a new way of living. He demonstrated how to love one’s enemies, welcome the stranger, and engage the outcast. Jesus made peace because he is the Prince of Peace.
Peace on earth is something we all seek and it’s central to the Christmas message. On Wednesday, we’ll look at the angelic announcement to the shepherds:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)
Remember that word shalom? It’s not just the absence of external conflict, but also internal wholeness and completeness. How is your soul? Are you experiencing internal peace?
After writing about the faith of Abraham, the writer of the book of Romans says,
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
When we say “yes” to Jesus and begin to follow him, we have peace with God. We talked about Jesus being the good shepherd last Sunday. In one of his teachings, he said,
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)
The peace—the right relationship—between us and God cannot be snatched away. He is for us. He loves us. Usually when we feel distant from God, it’s because we’ve moved, we’ve gotten busy, we’ve failed to invest in the relationship. There is something called the dark night of the soul when it feels like God is hiding. I believe the purpose is ultimately to get our attention and cause us to pursue Him more. But usually a lack of internal peace is the result of personal sin or neglect.
We can’t talk about relationships without mentioning those around us. Paul wrote to a church in modern day Turkey,
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Notice he doesn’t say keep the unity but make every effort to do so through the bond of peace. It reminds me of another message from Romans,
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
Sometimes peace is not possible. Sin destroys, and that goes for relationships, too. You can’t control another person. If you’re like me, it’s more than enough to control yourself! We may need to make the first move in restoring broken relationships and then leave the results to God.
So What?
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He said,
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
Do you know him? If not, step one is saying, “Jesus, I give you my life.” That’s the best gift you can give him for his birthday this week! He does not promise to make you healthy and wealthy, but he is the source of true peace. Please let me or another staff member know if today is your day to say yes to Jesus so we can give you some free tools to help you begin your journey.
To those of you who know the Prince of Peace, are you following him? Are you seeking first his Kingdom over your own? Are you spending quality time with him or just talking about doing so? All of your time, talents, and treasures are gifts from Him.
Finally, I want to challenge each of us to follow the Prince of Peace into peace-making. Pay attention to those around you. Who is hurting? Who is lonely? Who is broken inside? Who needs a smile, a word of encouragement, an invitation to coffee…or even lunch today?
We can’t control what world leaders do in the midst of war. We can’t control the behavior of others, even friends and family. We can cultivate our own soul, listen to others, and look for ways to build bridges while others build walls. As the old song says,
Let There Be Peace On Earth/And Let It Begin With Me.
I can’t end any better than by quoting Paul’s words from our last sermon series:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Hallelujah!
Handel’s Messiah
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
December 21, 2025
Isaiah 9:6
Series Big Idea: Handel’s Messiah may be the greatest work of music ever created, bringing praise and glory to the Creator.
Big Idea: Jesus the Messiah is the Prince of Peace.
Advent Theme: peace
What do you want for Christmas?
Most of us no longer visit Santa to tell him about the toy or doll we want, but each of us has desires, whether it’s a more expensive toy like a car, a real-life doll like a spouse, or something far more grandiose like world peace.
Our text today is quite short, a prophet proclamation issued around 700 BC that describes the Messiah, the subject of Handel’s musical masterpiece and the reason we’re here thousands of years later.
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)
Jesus the Messiah is the Prince of Peace. He’s the other things, too, but our theme today is peace. The original Hebrew word, shalom, is one I use frequently. It’s one of the most beautiful words in the world, not only speaking of the absence of conflict but also completeness, soundness, well-being, perfect, prosperity…things we all seek every day.
It's no secret that our world is torn apart by wars and rumors of wars, whether they are wager on battlefields or social media. If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why is there so much evil and hatred in our world?
First, God is giving satan a season to lie, steal, kill, and destroy. Why? I don’t fully understand, but it has something to do with testing and character development. Jesus’ half-brother, James wrote,
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
Second, I believe there is evil in the world now to cause us to draw close to God, to need God, to reach out, to pray. How desperate are you for God? If your Christmas shopping is done, the cookies have been baked, and you just learned about getting a raise in the new year, perhaps you are comfortable and even complacent. Contrast that with the unhoused, the lonely, the widow, the legal immigrant begging God for provision.
Let me offer a third reason God allows evil now in our world: for us to be peace makers. Jesus said,
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
He didn’t say blessed are the peacekeepers, but blessed are those who make peace. Peace keeping sometimes involves avoiding conflict or experiencing false peace. Peace making is when we enter into spaces of conflict, get involved, take risks, and sometimes pay the price. When we ask God—or Santa—for peace on earth, could it be that we are the ones who need to take action?
Our example, of course, is Jesus. He entered difficult spaces (including a manger), had difficult conversations, and spoke the truth in love, even when it was unpopular, even when it got him killed!
Jesus wasn’t afraid to engage people and say hard things. He refused to follow the crowd, yet invited them into a new way of living. He demonstrated how to love one’s enemies, welcome the stranger, and engage the outcast. Jesus made peace because he is the Prince of Peace.
Peace on earth is something we all seek and it’s central to the Christmas message. On Wednesday, we’ll look at the angelic announcement to the shepherds:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)
Remember that word shalom? It’s not just the absence of external conflict, but also internal wholeness and completeness. How is your soul? Are you experiencing internal peace?
After writing about the faith of Abraham, the writer of the book of Romans says,
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2)
When we say “yes” to Jesus and begin to follow him, we have peace with God. We talked about Jesus being the good shepherd last Sunday. In one of his teachings, he said,
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)
The peace—the right relationship—between us and God cannot be snatched away. He is for us. He loves us. Usually when we feel distant from God, it’s because we’ve moved, we’ve gotten busy, we’ve failed to invest in the relationship. There is something called the dark night of the soul when it feels like God is hiding. I believe the purpose is ultimately to get our attention and cause us to pursue Him more. But usually a lack of internal peace is the result of personal sin or neglect.
We can’t talk about relationships without mentioning those around us. Paul wrote to a church in modern day Turkey,
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Notice he doesn’t say keep the unity but make every effort to do so through the bond of peace. It reminds me of another message from Romans,
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
Sometimes peace is not possible. Sin destroys, and that goes for relationships, too. You can’t control another person. If you’re like me, it’s more than enough to control yourself! We may need to make the first move in restoring broken relationships and then leave the results to God.
So What?
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He said,
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
Do you know him? If not, step one is saying, “Jesus, I give you my life.” That’s the best gift you can give him for his birthday this week! He does not promise to make you healthy and wealthy, but he is the source of true peace. Please let me or another staff member know if today is your day to say yes to Jesus so we can give you some free tools to help you begin your journey.
To those of you who know the Prince of Peace, are you following him? Are you seeking first his Kingdom over your own? Are you spending quality time with him or just talking about doing so? All of your time, talents, and treasures are gifts from Him.
Finally, I want to challenge each of us to follow the Prince of Peace into peace-making. Pay attention to those around you. Who is hurting? Who is lonely? Who is broken inside? Who needs a smile, a word of encouragement, an invitation to coffee…or even lunch today?
We can’t control what world leaders do in the midst of war. We can’t control the behavior of others, even friends and family. We can cultivate our own soul, listen to others, and look for ways to build bridges while others build walls. As the old song says,
Let There Be Peace On Earth/And Let It Begin With Me.
I can’t end any better than by quoting Paul’s words from our last sermon series:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Hallelujah!