Birth that brought the morning
A cry that meant the night would have to end
Angels’ song announcing
Blessed son come down to all mankind
What was prophesied has come to pass
Hope arriving means I’m free at last
Prince of Peace rule over me
Prince of Peace reign
O come all you despairing
There’s rest and comfort here under the star
Love fulfilled the promise
Messiah take the crown here in my heart
I’ll drop everything and run to you
Spend my life declaring this good news
Glory to God
Glóir a bhith dhut
Prince of Peace
Prince of Peace Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"Prince of Peace" by Celtic Worship, released on December 2nd, 2022, is a song centered on the Advent and Christmas narrative, focusing on the profound significance of the Messiah's arrival. The lyrics open by declaring the impact of the birth of Jesus, describing it as an event that marked the end of darkness and brought forth a new era, likened to the breaking of morning light. The presence of angelic hosts announcing this birth underscores its divine importance, signifying that the promised Son of God has come down to humanity. This arrival is framed as the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, bringing hope and ultimately leading to freedom.
The central theme is powerfully expressed in the chorus, which addresses Jesus by the title "Prince of Peace" and calls for His rule and reign. This title, drawn from Old Testament prophecy, highlights a core aspect of Christ's identity and mission – bringing reconciliation, wholeness, and peace both individually and globally. The repetition in the chorus serves as a declaration of surrender and invitation for His reign in the lives of believers.
The song extends an invitation in the second verse to those who are despairing, promising rest and comfort found in the presence of the Messiah, symbolized by the star that guided seekers to Him. It reiterates the idea that love is made manifest and fulfilled in this promised one, the Messiah, and calls for Him to take His rightful place, taking the crown in the heart of the listener. This leads to a personal response of commitment, expressing a desire to abandon all else to follow Him and dedicate one's life to sharing this transformative good news.
The themes explored throughout the song connect deeply with several passages of scripture. The title "Prince of Peace" directly references Isaiah 9:6, which prophesies the coming of a child who will bear this name, among others, signifying His future kingdom of peace. The narrative of the birth, the angels' song, and the star align with accounts found in the Gospels of Luke chapters 1 and 2, and Matthew chapter 2. The idea of prophecy being fulfilled is a central theme throughout the New Testament's presentation of Jesus. The concept of finding hope and freedom through Christ is echoed in verses like Romans 15:13 and Galatians 5:1. The call for the weary and despairing to find rest reflects the invitation in Matthew 11:28-30.
The song concludes with the declaration "Glory to God," echoing the praise offered by the angelic host at the birth of Jesus as recorded in Luke 2:14. This line is also presented in Gàidhlig as "Glóir a bhith dhut," which translates to "Glory to You" or "Glory to be to You," incorporating the rich cultural and linguistic heritage associated with Celtic worship traditions. Overall, "Prince of Peace" serves as a worshipful anthem, celebrating the arrival of the Messiah, His identity as the source of peace and hope, and calling for a personal response of faith and surrender to His reign.
