麻豆区

As we commence the new year together, here is a reminder from Mrs Marlow regarding true peace. This is quoted from the College鈥檚 January Equip magazine.

鈥淚t has been an incredibly tough couple of years for every member of our community and it would seem, at least by news media reports, that 2022 has started not too dissimilarly to the previous two years. Again, we are discussing health orders, border restrictions, testing procedures and vaccinations. Perhaps your Christmas and holiday plans were drastically altered and you were again unable to spend time with loved ones or perhaps you were isolating with family members who have contracted COVID.

In the midst of this disorder it is so important that we hold onto an unseen reality; a reality that we celebrate over Christmas, that is, the gift of the Prince of Peace and the promise of peace that comes through knowing the Prince of Peace. In Isaiah 9:6 the following was foretold regarding the birth of Jesus Christ, 鈥淔or to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.鈥�

This title "Prince of Peace" was given to Jesus to remind us that He is the author, giver and sustainer of peace. Whilst we would very much like for the COVID context to improve rapidly and then just go away for good the reality is that this will not bring us the peace that we crave, only Jesus the author of peace can gives us real peace.

The really amazing news is that this peace that Jesus the Prince of Peace brings is not just for today, or until the next round of COVID restrictions ease or even just for 2022. The peace that Jesus offers is everlasting. Those who trust Christ as their Saviour are given by God an assurance that flows out of this new relationship with Him. Once we are in Christ, the Prince of Peace shows us that He can bring peace wherever He rules and that means that in every day and in every way we can have peace no matter what our circumstances (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

My hope is that as we move into 2022 together, that despite our somewhat chaotic circumstances we will step confidently into 2022 knowing that the Prince of Peace, our Creator goes before us. May these words of Jesus ring loud and true for each of us "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid鈥� (John 14:27).鈥�

Felicity Marlow
Principal