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.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
How do you feel and respond when you receive a valuable and unexpected gift? We sometimes overlook the amazing gift of freedom given to us in Jesus. Today’s passage describes what this freedom is like (v. 2-5) before it describes the One who brings it to us (v. 6-7).
How do you feel and act when you are trying to walk through a very dark room? What changes when the light goes on? How does this relate to the feeling a person might have when his or her nation is finally freed from an oppressive, foreign force?
Using v. 6-7, list the words used to describe the Son.
V. 6 tells us this child is born to us, this Son is given to us. Take a moment to thank the Father for His gift and ask the Son to bring His light and freedom to the place(s) where the darkness or oppressor’s rod can be found in your life or this world.
