2 The people walking in darknesshave seen a great light; a light has dawnedon those living in the land of darkness.
3 You have enlarged the nationand increased its joy. The people have rejoiced before Youas they rejoice at harvest timeand as they rejoice when dividing spoils.
4 For You have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders,the staff of their oppressor,just as You did on the day of Midian.
5 For the trampling boot of battleand the bloodied garments of warwill be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child will be born for us,a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be namedWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7 The dominion will be vast,and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of Davidand over his kingdom,to establish and sustain itwith justice and righteousness from now on and forever.The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.
8 The Lord sent a message against Jacob;it came against Israel.