Light pierces the darkness

1Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:

2The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of the shadow of death,

a light has dawned.a

3You have enlarged the nation

and increased its joy.

The people rejoice before You

as they rejoice at harvest time,

as men rejoice in dividing the plunder.

4For as in the day of Midian

You have shattered the yoke of their burden,

the bar across their shoulders,

and the rod of their oppressor.

5For every trampling boot of battle

and every garment rolled in blood

will be burned as fuel for the fire.

6For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given,

and the government will be upon His shoulders.

And He will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7Of the increase of His government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on the throne of David

and over his kingdom,

to establish and sustain it

with justice and righteousness

from that time and forevermore.

The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:1-7)

THOUGHTS: The people of Galilee (Naphtali and Zebulun were the Israelite tribes given that land).  Galilee was not very valuable.  It was out in the country with no real resources but the lake.  When people walk in darkness they must walk slowly with their heads down.  The shadow of death over us flees from the light of the rising sun- like the sun coming up over a cemetery. 
A child is born who will assume the throne of David.  This is the anointed one- the Messiah.  He is to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) but come from Galilee.  He is not just a man- he is (vs. 6) God, prince of peace.  He is worthy of our worship and time.  

Prayer: Thank you for coming into our darkness that we migt have life.