Second Sunday of Advent - God's Providence

These are some of my favourite verses in scripture.  For me they always bring my mind, heart and spirit back to real hope. 

Isaiah 9:2-7 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

² The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
    on those living in the land of darkness,
    a light has dawned.
    ³ You have enlarged the nation
    and increased its joy.
    [The people] have rejoiced before You
    as they rejoice at harvest time
    and as they rejoice when dividing spoils.
    ⁴ For You have shattered their burdensome yoke
    and the rod on their shoulders,
    the staff of their oppressor,
    just as [You did] on the day of Midian.
    ⁵ For the trampling boot of battle
    and the bloodied garments of war
    will be burned as fuel for the fire.
    ⁶ For a child will be born for us,
    a son will be given to us,
    and the government will be on His shoulders.
    He will be named
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
    ⁷ The dominion will be vast,
    and its prosperity will never end.
    He will reign on the throne of David
    and over his kingdom,
    to establish and sustain it
    with justice and righteousness from now on and forever.
    The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.