A free paraphrase that seeks to recapture the expressiveness of the original languages.

Isaiah 9:2-3
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.


Psalm 23
God, my shepherd!
I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.


1 John 4:7-8
My dear friends, let us continue to love one each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love.

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