Story Behind The Song

I think I was contrasting all the glittering Christmas stuff pictured on television next to the suffering going on in the whole world . . . and thinking about the fair, just rule Biblical prophecy describes during the reign of the Lord Jesus on earth.

Song Description

This is a carol that looks backward to the first advent of Christ, and forward to His second -- it bounces off 'Joy To the World,' which really describes the blessings of the SECOND advent, though we sing it at Christmas time.

Lyrics

About two thousand years ago,
An ancient world groaned like our own.
The times for most were dark as night;
Injustice ruled from ev'ry throne.
But down the ages, there remained
A shining source of hope:
The promise many prophets wrote
Of a Prince of Peace.

The hallmarks of the Prince's rule
Would be mercy and righteousness.
Not just for some without the rest,
In Him all nations would be blessed.
His promised reign would have no end --
O vision, fair and bright!
The waiting hearts gave hopeful cry:
"Come, O Prince of Peace!"

The word came to the lowliest,
For shepherds heard the angel's voice:
"The Highest bids His peace to you;
Men of goodwill on earth, rejoice!
For there in yonder Bethlehem,
The promise is fulfilled,
And all can share in it that will
Hail Christ, Prince of Peace!"

Two thousand years have come and gone;
Our modern world seethes with unrest.
Its injustices, its wars, its greed
Leave many poor, pain-wracked, oppressed.
But yet, the Hope of ev'ry age
Shines on hist'ry's dark'ning sky,
And millions lift their hearts and cry,
"Return, O Prince of Peace!"