Isaiah 9:2-4

New International Reader's Version

² The 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.
³ Lord, 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.
⁴ You set Israel free from Midian long ago.
    In the same way, you will break
the heavy yoke that weighs Israel down.
    You will break the wooden beams that are on their shoulders.
    You will break the rods of those who strike them down.