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| Family Island detail, by A. Gassel |
But there'll be no darkness for those who were in trouble... what was in disrepute will He make glorious.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows--
light! Sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy.
Oh, they're so glad in Your presence!
Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration,
sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants--
all their whips and cudgels and curses--
is gone, done away with, a deliverance
as surprising and suddn as Gideon's old victory over Midian.
The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days!
For a child has been born--for us!
The gift of a son--for us!
He'll take over the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness He brings. Isaiah 9