1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 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. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

6 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. 

Job 8:13 (TLB): “Those who forget God have no hope.”

The Darkness

Isaiah 9:2: “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.”

That darkness evidenced itself in at least two ways.

Dark circumstances

Dark spiritually

No hope…

No help in themselves.

No help in the politicians.

No hope in their religious leaders.

The Light

Isaiah 9:2: “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.”

The Promise

Isaiah 9:6-7 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,”

Isiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given' 

‘A child IS born’ = real baby!

‘Unto us a son is GIVEN' = his pre-existence. 

'Wonderful Counsellor’

Psalm 136:3-4. 'Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His love endures for ever.

to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures for ever'

Wonder made visible:

His teaching was wonderful.  

His miracles were extraordinary.  

His presence and authority were captivating,

The 'Mighty God’

Counsellor = wisdom to rule,  

Mighty God, = power to execute

'Everlasting Father’ = 'Father of eternity’

‘Prince of Peace’ 

‘Prince' = ‘commander'