The First Christmas

God, the great Creator, is a Spirit. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere and in everything—far beyond our limited human comprehension. So He sent Jesus, in the form of a man, to understand us and show us what He Himself is like and to bring us to Himself.

第一個聖誕節

創造宇宙的偉大造物主－－上帝，是一個靈，祂無所不能、無所不知、無所不在，而且存在萬物之中，祂遠超過我們凡人有限的理解力之外。因此祂派遣耶穌，以一個凡人的樣式來到世上，向我們顯示祂像什麼樣子，並經由耶穌再帶領我們歸向祂。

God sent the angel Gabriel to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph.

天使加百列奉　神差遣，往加利利的拿撒勒城去，到了一個童貞女那裡，她已經和大衛家一個名叫約瑟的人訂了婚，童貞女的名字是馬利亞。

The angel said to Mary, “You will give birth to a son, and will call his name Jesus. He will be called the Son of the Most High and reign forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”

天使進去，對她說：“你將懷孕生子，要給他起名叫耶穌。他將要被尊為大，稱為至高者的兒子，他的國沒有窮盡。”

Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus ordering a census. Everyone had to return to their hometown to be counted. Joseph was of the family of David so he returned to his hometown of Bethlehem with Mary, who was pregnant.

那時，有諭旨從凱撒奧古士督頒發下來，叫普天下的人登記戶口。 眾人各歸各城去登記戶口。約瑟本是大衛家族的人，也從加利利的拿撒勒上猶太去，到了大衛的城伯利恆，與所聘之妻馬利亞一同登記戶口。

While they were there, Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.

那時馬利亞的身孕已經重了。他們在那裡的時候，馬利亞的產期到了，生了頭胎兒子，用布包著，放在馬槽裡，因為客店裡沒有地方。

There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and said, "Don’t be afraid; I bring you good news of great joy. Today a Savior has been born in the city of Bethlehem, Christ the Lord. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”

在伯利恆的郊外，有一些牧人在夜間看守羊群。主的一位使者站在他們旁邊，天使說：“不要怕！看哪！我報給你們大喜的信息，是關於萬民的：今天在大衛的城裡，為你們生了救主，就是主基督。你們要找到一個嬰孩，包著布，臥在馬槽裡。”

The shepherds quickly went to Bethlehem, where they found Mary and Joseph, and baby Jesus lying in the feeding trough.

他們急忙去了，找到馬利亞、約瑟和那臥在馬槽裡的嬰孩。

A star led wise men from the east to Bethlehem. It then stopped over the house where Joseph and Mary were staying.

有幾個星象家（“星象家”或譯：“智者”）從東方來到伯利恆。他們在東方看見的那顆星在他們前頭，領他們到那小孩所在的地方，就在上頭停住了。

When the wise men came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

進了房子，看見小孩和他母親馬利亞，就俯伏拜他，並且打開寶盒，把黃金、乳香、沒藥作禮物獻給他。

Where Jesus was Born

There's a beautiful legend that's never been told, it may have been known to the wise men of old,
How three little children came early at dawn, with hearts that were sad, to where Jesus was born.

One could not see, one was too lame to play, while the other, a mute, not a word could he say.
Yet led by His star, they came there to peep at the little Lord Jesus, with eyes closed in sleep.

耶穌誕生的地方

有個美麗的故事從未被傳講，古時的智者也許聽說過，

有三個傷心的孩子，黎明時來到耶穌誕生的地方。

一個孩子看不見，一個孩子瘸了腿，還有一個是啞巴，一句話也無法說。

然而他們被祂的星引領，來到那裡偷窺，小小主耶穌，安祥沉睡於甜夢中。

But how could the Christ Child, so lovely and fair, not waken and smile when He heard the glad prayer
Of hope at His coming, of faith at His birth, of praise at His bringing God's peace to the earth?

And then as the light softly came through the door, the lad that was lame stood upright once more;
The child that was mute started sweetly to sing, while the boy that was blind looked with joy on the King!

聖嬰孩基督，如此美麗可愛，當祂聽到他們喜悅的禱告時，怎麼會不微笑醒來？

他們禱告盼望祂的來臨，相信祂的誕生，又讚美祂把上帝的平安帶給世人。

然後光溫柔地穿過門縫照耀，瘸腿小男孩站起來了；

啞巴小女孩開始甜美吟唱，瞎眼小男還孩滿心歡喜地看見了萬王之王！

What Can I Give Him?

What can I give Him, as small as I am?

我能給祂什麼？

我小小的年紀，我能給祂什麼？

If I were a shepherd, I’d give Him a lamb.

我若是牧人，我會給祂一隻羊。

If I were a wise man, I’d do my part.

我若是智者，我會盡力而為。

I know what I’ll give Him, I’ll give Him my heart.

我知道要給什麼，我要給祂我的心。

Jesus’ Christmas Wish List

Since it's Jesus' birthday, it makes sense that we would want to give Him something special, like we often give gifts to our loved ones or do something special for them on their birthdays. But what do you give to the King of the universe, the One who has everything? I was mulling over that question when it occurred to me that we could simply ask Him what He would like most from us. Here are six of His answers:

耶穌的聖誕節願望

既然耶穌的生日到了，我們自然會想要送些特別的禮物給祂，就像當我們的親人過生日時，我們經常會送禮物給他們，或為他們做些特別的事一樣。但你能送給擁有一切的「宇宙之王」什麼呢？當我在深思有關這方面的問題時突然想到，我們可以直接問上主，祂最希望我們送給祂什麼。祂的回答包含以下六個禮物：

The Gift of Love

At this special time when everyone likes to get together with those who mean the most to them, I want to get together with you.

It doesn't have to be a big, elaborate thing. We can do whatever you'd like, just so long as we're together, you and I. We can sit and chat, or we can read something meaningful together. Or we can tell each other what we love and appreciate about each other. These are some ideas of ways you can show that you love Me and haven't forgotten whose birthday it is.

愛的禮物

在這個特別的日子裡，人人都希望與自己感到最重要的人聚在一起，而我希望能和你在一起。

它不必盛大，也不需精心安排。我們可以做任何你喜歡做的事，只要是你我在一起就行。我們可以坐下來聊天，也可以一起讀點有意義的東西，然後停下來沈思默想它的內容。我們還可以告訴對方，我們對彼此愛慕和感激欣賞之處。這只是一些主意，你可以用這些方式向我表示你愛我，並沒有忘記這天是誰的生日。

The Gift of Giving

Christmas is a time of giving. It's when My Father gave His only begotten Son, Me, to the world. It's when I came to earth that I might lay down My life in order to give eternal life to all who would receive it. It's when people give gifts to others in commemoration of the gifts that My Father and I gave them.

This Christmas, I ask you to give Me the gift of giving. Give to others, as you would give to Me. Return My Father's goodwill by sharing some of your own.

給予的禮物

聖誕節是個給予的時節。在那一天，我的天父把祂的獨生子－－我，賜給了世人。我在那一天來到世上，並為世人捨命，使凡願意接受的人可以得到永生。在那一天，人們彼此互贈禮物，來紀念我的天父和我賜給他們的禮物。

在今年聖誕節，我要你送給我「給予」之禮。給予他人吧，就如你要給予我那樣。藉著向他人顯示善意，來回報我的天父對你的善意吧。

The Gift of a Thankful Heart

It brings Me joy to hear your thankful praises. Whenever something happens that makes you happy or makes you feel loved, thank Me for that gift. Then it will be a personal gift exchange between you and Me. I give you blessings to make you happy, and you make Me happy by giving Me thanks. As you continue to thank Me for everything, I'll give you more and every day will be like Christmas.

感恩之心的禮物

你感恩的讚美使我感到快樂。無論何時，當某事發生使你快樂、或讓你覺得被愛時，感謝我賜給你的那樣禮物。這麼一來，它就有如你我之間交換禮物一樣。我給你祝福使你快樂，而你的感謝則使我快樂。當你繼續為一切感謝我，我會給你更多，然後，每一天都會像聖誕節一樣了。

The Gift of Prayer

Put your love into action by praying for others, and I will more than repay.

If you don't know where to start, don't worry; I see your heart. If you don't feel eloquent, don't worry; I see your heart. It's your love and concern that moves My hand to meet the needs of those you pray for.

禱告的禮物

為他人禱告吧，藉此把你的愛付諸行動，而我必會大大回報你的。

你若不知從何開始，別擔心；我看得到你的內心。你若覺得自己不善表達，別擔心；我看得到你的內心。是你的愛和關心推動我的手，去滿足你為其禱告的人的需要。

The Gift of Forgiveness

Christmas is a wonderful time of year to make things right. And making things right often starts with you taking the step to forgive someone, even if you feel that the other person is the one who should be seeking forgiveness. Has someone said or done something that has hurt you? Forgive.

寬恕的禮物

聖誕節是一年中與人和好的美好時刻。和好經常從你本身開始，就算你覺得對方應該來請求寬恕，但你先採取主動去寬恕別人。別人說過或做過任何傷害你的事嗎？寬恕吧。

The Gift of Sharing My Love

It has been rightly said that I have no hands but your hands, no feet but your feet, no eyes but your eyes, and no mouth but yours. If you want to give Me a truly wonderful gift this Christmas, lend Me the use of you. Let Me fill you with My love, and then let that love flow through you to others.

「分享我的愛」之禮物

有件事說得很對：我自己沒有手，唯靠你的手；我自己沒有腳，唯靠你的腳；我自己沒有眼睛，唯靠你的眼睛；我自己沒有嘴，唯靠你的嘴。今年聖誕節，你若想送我一份真正的好禮，就讓我使用你吧。讓我用我的愛充滿你，然後經由你將這份愛傳達給別人。

Points to Ponder: The Reason for the Season

Jesus was God’s gift to the whole world, and not just for Christmas, but for every day, our whole lives through and beyond, for all eternity. Christmas comes and goes, but Jesus never leaves the heart.

為何會有聖誕節

耶穌是上帝給全世界的禮物。不只是聖誕節的禮物，而是每一天的禮物，是我們生命的過往今來、直到永恆的禮物。它是完美的禮物，因為聖誕節來又去了，但是耶穌從不會離開我們的心。

The Christmas story tells us that it’s okay to start small. Jesus started as a tiny baby born in a stable, but He ended up at the right hand of the throne of God. And because of Him, our small beginnings will have greater ends in His eternal kingdom.

聖誕故事告訴我們，任何人都可以從微小的階段開始。耶穌開始時，只是個在馬廄誕生的小嬰兒，但祂最終坐在上帝寶座的右手邊。而且因為有祂，我們小小的開始在祂永恆的國度裡，會有更偉大的結果。

Christmas is a state of mind. It’s happiness‚ thankfulness, love, giving. Do those things, and every day can feel like Christmas.

聖誕節是一種心態。它是幸福、感恩、愛和給予。做這些事吧！這樣每一天都會感覺像聖誕節一樣。

The Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide-open heart that thinks of others first.

聖誕之心也就是一顆給予的心，一顆大大敞開的心，總是先想到別人。

The angels who sang praises on the night Jesus was born still sing today. Their voices are drowned out some by the noise and busyness of life, but if you take the time to listen carefully, you'll hear them. Join them in singing praises to our heavenly Father.

在耶穌降生當晚歌唱讚美的天使，今天仍在歌唱。他們的歌聲稍被生活的噪音和繁忙所淹沒，但如果你花時間細心聆聽，你就會聽到。加入他們，與他們一起歌唱讚美我們的天父吧。

As you enjoy all the blessings of life this Christmas, stop and think about what meager circumstances Jesus was born into. He had so much, yet became so little. He became nothing so that we could have everything. All that we have, we owe to Him.

今年聖誕節，當你在享受生活中的所有祝福之際，不妨停下來，思想一下耶穌出生的環境曾是何等卑微。祂擁有那麼多，然而卻以如此弱小的身份來到世上。祂變得一無所有，好讓我們能夠擁有一切。我們所擁有的一切，都虧欠於祂。

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Image Credits:

Cover: Foreground image in public domain. Background image and background for letters designed by kjpargeter /Freepik

The First Christmas:

Images of star, gifts, people and angels by Ian and Sue Coate; freeBibleillustrations.com. Used under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International license.

Background image credits:

Page 1: public domain

Page 2: public domain

Page 3: public domain

Page 4: designed by Freepik

Page 5: public domain

Page 6: public domain

Page 7: public domain

Page 8: public domain

Page 9: Wall background by designed by vvstudio / Freepik. Hay image designed by welcomia / Freepik.

Where Jesus was Born:

Page 1: Background designed by Freepik. Silhouettes by Ian and Sue Coate; freeBibleillustrations.com. Used under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International license.

Page 2: Wall background by designed by vvstudio / Freepik. Hay image designed by welcomia / Freepik. All other images by Ian and Sue Coate; freeBibleillustrations.com. Used under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International license.

What Can I Give Him?:

Page 1: Designed by Javi_Indy/Freepik

Pages 2-3: Public domain

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Jesus’ Christmas Wish List:

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Page 5: Image courtesy of maxpixel; in public domain

Page 6 – Designed by asier_relampagoestudio/Freepik

Page 7 – Image by Belen Pesquera via 500px.com. Used under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 unported license.

Points to Ponder: The Reason for the Season:

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Page 5: Image by David Medranda via 500px.com. Used under Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 unported license.

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Text Credits:

The First Christmas:

Page 1: D.B. Berg, copyright Activated magazine. Used by permission.

Pages 2-9: From the Bible (NLT and CNVT)

Where Jesus was Born: Poem by Charles W.H. Bancroft (1819-1877); in public domain. Versions in languages other than English copyright Activated magazine; used by permission.

What Can I Give Him?: Poem by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894); in public domain. Versions in languages other than English copyright Activated magazine; used by permission.

Jesus’ Christmas Wish List: By Maria Fontaine, copyright Activated magazine. Used by permission.

Points to Ponder - The Reason for the Season:

All quotations courtesy of Activated magazine. Used by permission.

Pages 1-3: Authors unknown

Page 4: George Matthew Adams (1878–1962)

Page 5: Alex Peterson

Page 6: Maria Fontaine