2 The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;ac

a light has dawned

on those living in the land of darkness.ad

3 You have enlarged the nation

and increased its joy.K,ae

The people have rejoiced before you

as they rejoice at harvest time

and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.a

4 For you have shattered their oppressive yokeb

and the rod on their shoulders,

the staff of their oppressor,

just as you did on the day of Midian.c

5 For every trampling boot of battle

and the bloodied garments of war

will be burned as fuel for the fire.

6 For a child will be born for us,

a son will be given to us,d

and the government will be on his shoulders.e

He will be named

Wonderful Counselor,f Mighty God,g

Eternal Father,h Prince of Peace.i