^2 (A)The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light.
They lived in a land of shadows,
    but now light is shining on them.
³ You have given them great joy,^[a] Lord;
    you have made them happy.
They rejoice in what you have done,
    as people rejoice when they harvest grain
    or when they divide captured wealth.
⁴ For you have broken the yoke that burdened them
    and the rod that beat their shoulders.
You have defeated the nation
    that oppressed and exploited your people,
    just as you defeated the army of Midian long ago.
⁵ The boots of the invading army
    and all their bloodstained clothing
    will be destroyed by fire.
⁶ A child is born to us!
    A son is given to us!
    And he will be our ruler.
He will be called, “Wonderful^[b] Counselor,”
    “Mighty God,” “Eternal Father,”
    “Prince of Peace.”
^7 (B)His royal power will continue to grow;
    his kingdom will always be at peace.
He will rule as King David's successor,
    basing his power on right and justice,
    from now until the end of time.
The Lord Almighty is determined to do all this.