Isaiah 9:2-7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
2 [a]The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.(A)
3 You have multiplied exultation;[b]
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.(B)
4 For the yoke of their burden
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.(C)
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.(D)
6 For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.(E)
7 Great will be his authority,[c]
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.(F)
Luke 2:8-14
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:(A) 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord.(B) 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”(C) 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[b] praising God and saying,(D)
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