Merry Christmas!

The people that walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those who lived in a land as dark as death
a light has dawned.
You have increased their joy
and given them great gladness;
they rejoice in your presence
as those who rejoice at harvest,
as warriors exult when dividing spoil.
For you have broken the yoke that burdened them,
the rod laid on their shoulders,
the driver’s goad, as on the day of Midian’s defeat.
The boots of earth-shaking armies on the march,
the soldiers’ cloaks rolled in blood,
all are destined to be burnt, food for the fire.
For a child has been born to us, a son is given to us;
he will bear the symbol of dominion on his shoulder,
and his title will be:
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty Hero,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Wide will be the dominion
and boundless the peace
bestowed on David’s throne and on his kingdom,
to establish and support it
with justice and righteousness
from now on, for evermore.
The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will do this.

Isaiah 9:2-7 REB