Isaiah 9:1–7

¹But there will be no more gloom 

for the land that is in distress. 

God humbled the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali in earlier times. 

But in the future he will bring glory to the road by the sea, 

to the land across the Jordan River, 

to Galilee, where foreigners live. 

A Child Will Be Born as the Prince of Peace

²The people who walk in darkness will see a bright light. 

The light will shine on those who live in the land of death’s shadow. 

³You will expand the nation and increase its happiness. 

It will be happy in your presence 

like those who celebrate the harvest 

or rejoice when dividing loot. 

⁴You will break the yoke^bthat burdens them, 

the bar that is across their shoulders, 

and the stick used by their oppressor, 

as ⸤you did in the battle against⸥ Midian. 

⁵Every warrior’s boot marching to the sound of battle 

and every garment rolled in blood 

will be burned as fuel in the fire. 

⁶A child will be born for us. 

A son will be given to us. 

The government will rest on his shoulders. 

He will be named: 

Wonderful Counselor, 

Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, 

Prince of Peace. 

⁷His government and peace will have unlimited growth. 

He will establish David’s throne and kingdom. 

He will uphold it with justice and righteousness now and forever. 

The Lord of Armies is determined to do this!