Celebrating Advent: December 2

Isaiah 9: 2-7 


The people who walk in darkness
 will see a great light.
  For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice.
  They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest
 and like warriors dividing the plunder.

For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian.

The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war
 will all be burned.  They will be fuel for the fire.

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

His government and its peace will never end.  He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
  The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!  (NLT)