Isaiah 9:1-3

New International Reader's Version

9 But there won’t be any more sadness for those who were suffering. In the past the Lord brought shame on the land of Zebulun. He also brought shame on the land of Naphtali. But in days to come he will honor Galilee, where people from other nations live. He will honor the land along the Mediterranean Sea. And he will honor the territory east of the Jordan River.

²The people who are now living in darkness
    will see a great light.
They are now living in a very dark land.
    But a light will shine on them.
³Lord, you will make our nation larger.
    You will increase their joy.
They will show you how glad they are.
    They will be as glad as people are at harvest time.
They will be as glad as warriors are
    when they share the things they’ve taken after a battle.