I.
As you spend time with these words from the Prophet Isaiah take note of how he describes “the people.”

What has been their history and how does Isaiah describe their situation here?

II.
Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV) 

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.

You have multiplied the nation,
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.

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.

For all the boots of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

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.

His authority shall grow continually,
    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.

III.

How do you see this passage describing the “darkness” the people walked in?

If someone asked you about the “light” shining on the people, how would you describe it?

What sources of the light do you notice mentioned here?

charles

{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}