A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

upon those who dwell in a land of gloom

the light has shone.

You have brought them abundant joy

and great rejoicing,

as they rejoice before you at the harvest,

as people make merry when dividing spoils,

For the yoke that burdened them,

the pole on their shoulders,

and the rod of their oppressor

you have smashed as at the defeat of Midian.

For every boot that tramped in battle,

every cloak rolled in blood,

will be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child is born to us, an heir is given us;

upon whose shoulder dominion will rest.

They will name this one Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,

Savior-Forever, Ruler of Peace.

This dominion – and this peace –

will grow without end,

on David’s judgment seat,

and over David’s realm,

confirmed and sustained with judgment and justice,

both now and forever.

The zeal of Our God of Hosts will do this!

The Word of God recorded in the book of the prophet Isaiah.

R:  Today is born our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Sing to Our God a new song!

Sing to Our God, all the earth!

Sing to Our God,

bless God’s name.

R: Today is born our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

 Proclaim God’s salvation

day after day,

Tell of God’s glory among the nations,

tell God’s marvels to every people.

R: Today is born our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

Let the heavens be glad, let the earth rejoice,

let the sea thunder and all that it holds,

Let the fields exult and all that is in them,

let all the woodland trees cry out for joy.

R: Today is born our Savior, Jesus the Christ.

They will exult at the presence of Our God,

for God comes to judge the earth.

To judge the world with justice

and the nations with truth.

R: Today is born our Savior, Jesus the Christ.