Isaiah 9:1–7

¹But there will be no gloom for her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

²The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shined.

³Thou hast multiplied the nation,

thou hast increased its joy;

they rejoice before thee

as with joy at the harvest,

as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

⁴For the yoke of his burden,

and the staff for his shoulder,

the rod of his oppressor,

thou hast broken as on the day of Midian.

⁵For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult

and every garment rolled in blood

will be burned as fuel for the fire.

⁶For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government will be upon his shoulder,

and his name will be called

“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

⁷Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom,

to establish it, and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and for evermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.