For to Us a Child: Isaiah 9:2-7

“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

“You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice in the harvest,
as men rejoice
when dividing the plunder.

“For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them.
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.

“Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.

“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

“Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom;
establishing it and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
Will accomplish this.”

(Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.)

(Painting of Bethlehem, copyright Cinnamon/Dreamstime.com. Used with permission.)