Isaiah 9:1-7

But suddenly there will be no more gloom for the land that suffered. In the past God made the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali hang their heads in shame. But in the future that land will be made great. That land stretches from the way along the Mediterranean Sea to the land along the Jordan River. And it goes north to Galilee where the people who are not Israelites live. Now those people live in darkness. But they will see a great light. They live in a place that is very dark. But a light will shine on them. God, you will cause the nation to grow. You will make the people happy. And they will show their happiness to you. It will be like the joy during harvest time. It will be like the joy of people taking what they have won in war. Like the time you defeated Midian, you will take away their heavy load. You will take away the heavy pole from their backs. You will take away the rod the enemy uses to punish your people. Every boot that marched in battle will be destroyed. Every uniform stained with blood will be destroyed. They will be thrown into the fire. A child will be born to us. God will give a son to us. He will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace. Power and peace will be in his kingdom. It will continue to grow. He will rule as king on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom. He will make it strong, by ruling with goodness and fair judgment. He will rule it forever and ever. The Lord of heaven’s armies will do this because of his strong love for his people.