Joy to the World

Rembrandt, Adoration of the Shepherds
Isaiah 9: 1-7
 1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
 2 The people walking in darkness
   have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
   a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
   and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
   as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
   when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
   you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
   the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
   and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
   will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given,
   and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
   Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
   there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
   and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
   with justice and righteousness
   from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
   will accomplish this.




2 comments:

Carol said...

Merry Christmas to You!
Carol of Butternut Creek

Lucy said...

Isn't this one of the most beautiful 'real' paintings of the manger scene. Thank you for sharing it. Lucy of Denver


"Do not let what you cannot do
keep you from doing what you can do."

John Wooden