Isaiah 9:3
Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
Isaiah 9:3 belongs to the prophecy of Jesus as the Messiah whose coming brings joy. That coming is marked by light and hope and by grateful joy. The joy foretold is for all peoples and not for Israel alone, for his birth is good news of joy for everyone, as a glory to Israel and a light to the Gentiles. Mary recalled this prophecy as she looked at Jesus and remembered what the shepherds had said about him.