"For Unto Us a Child Is Born"

Isaiah 9:2-7

These verses form one of the most moving passages of Scripture. Isaiah had been declaring punishment upon Judah in chapter 8 because “there is no light in them.” But, in this chapter hope is renewed; the people that walked in darkness  “have seen a great light,” and the king is to begin his reign. The description of the king, the Messiah, begins with a child being born. His kingdom is characterized by peace, judgment, and justice.

The people that walked in darkness
   have seen a great light:
they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death,
   upon them hath the light shined.
Thou hast multiplied the nation,
   and not increased the joy:
they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest,
   and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden,
   and the staff of his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
   as in the day of Midian.
For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise,
   and garments rolled in blood;
   but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
For unto us a child is born,
   unto us a son is given:
   and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called
   Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,
   The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace
   there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,
   to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice
   from henceforth even for ever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.