The setting for that first Christmas though, was not so peaceful. The world was in turmoil. Tyrants, taxes, and terror reigned. Powerful Caesar demanded every man return to his hometown so he could be counted and taxed. It’s always been that way with kings and dictators – they love to count and control their subjects so they can measure the size and value of their kingdom. The only thing that kings like better than a good census in those days was the pleasure of recovering the taxes after they finished the count.

Trouble, terror, and tragedy stalked the land as Joseph and Mary obeyed the decree and endured the perilous journey to Bethlehem. The village inn had no room for a carpenter and an expectant mother. So it came about that on that first Christmas there was a proud tyrannical king dwelling in luxury, taking pride in his palace and power, while the most insignificant of all his subjects had been placed with tender loving care in an isolated smelly stable.

The Middle East, like most of the world is still enmeshed in war, terror, and grief. The planet cries out for release and peace. A sign that I observed recently is so true – “Peace is not found at a Mid-East table but in a Mid-East stable”.

If our portrait of peace needed in that smelly stable, there would be no hope. But this story of this living portrait is not about tyrants and taxes – it is about kingdoms. King Augustus died. Even Caesar had to die. How about that little babe whose birth was never announced to grandparents and friends because of travel requirements, the one who made do with a manger for his bed? Well, it turned out that He was also a King. He was pictured by the prophet Isaiah centuries before His birth as the Prince of Peace.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

While the world took little note of the birth of the mighty king, angels gave a singing birth announcement to humble shepherds. “And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not. I bring you good tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior’. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, goodwill toward men’” (Luke 2:7-14).

As the new king laid out rules for His reign and the road of peace, He gave us a picture of some innovative, dynamic changes: no subject of His would ever be unnoticed, unloved, or unappreciated. No subject would ever be turned down who wanted to approach Him. He would never desert or abandon any of His subjects, no would ever be allowed to remove one of His subjects from His jurisdiction. No subject would be forced to serve Him against his or her will – He kingship would always be a matter of free choice. His kingdom begins in the realm of the heart.

Our portrait of peace doesn’t end with a stable. The prince who came to die on the cross for the sins of the world arose from the dead, victorious over death, hell, and the grave. Jesus said, “Because I live you shall live also.” He came to reign as the Prince of Peace for those who receive Him in faith and repentance. (See Romans 10:9-10 and I John 1:9-10.)

One day soon the one born as a babe in a stable, will return on a white horse with the armies of heaven and to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. “Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end” (Isaiah 9:7).

Isaac Watts penned the classic Christmas carol “Joy to the World! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare Him room.”

Are you facing trials and turmoil in your life? Look to Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace. Prepare Him room in your heart today. Ask him to come in with mercy and grace to rule and reign as Savior and Lord. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12).