"The People in Darkness Have Seen a Great Light"

Scripture reading for blessing the Advent wreath:

Isaiah 9:1-2, 5-6 

The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen. 

Thou hast multiplied the nation, and hast not increased the joy. They shall rejoice before thee, as they that rejoice in the harvest, as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils. 

For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace. 

His empire shall be multiplied, and there shall be no end of peace: he shall sit upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom; to establish it and strengthen it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth and for ever: the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. 

Source: Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition of the Bible (in the public domain)