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.

第一个圣诞节

上帝，伟大的造物主，是个灵。他无所不能，无所不知，无所不在——绝非我们有限的智力所能理解。因此，他就派耶稣，以人的形式，来理解我们，向我们显示他是什么样子，并把我们带到他那里去。

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph.

上帝派天使加百列到加利利的一个叫拿撒勒的城镇去见一位处女。这个处女名叫马利亚，她与一个叫约瑟的男子订了婚。

The angel said, "You will become pregnant and give birth to a son. You are to name him Jesus. He will be the Son of the Most High God and will rule forever."

天使说：“你会怀孕生一个儿子，你要给他取名叫耶稣。他是至高神的儿子，将要统治到永远。”

When the time was near for Mary to give birth, the Roman government told everyone to go for a census to the town where their ancestors had lived. Joseph and Mary had to make a long journey from where they lived in Nazareth to Bethlehem.

玛利亚快生产的时候，罗马政府命令每个人回到他们祖先居住的地方去报名上册。玛利亚和约瑟走了很长的路，才从他们居住的地方拿撒勒来到了伯利恒。

When they arrived in Bethlehem, there was no place to stay. The only room they could find was a place where animals stayed. The baby was born there and his mother laid him in a feeding trough, since they did not have a bed for him. They named him Jesus.

他们到达伯利恒后，已经没有住宿的地方了。他们只找到一个牲口待的地方歇脚，孩子就在那里出生。因为没有床，母亲只能把孩子放在牲口的食槽里。他们给他起名叫耶稣。

That night, there were some shepherds in a nearby field guarding their flocks. Suddenly, a shining angel appeared to them, and they were terrified. The angel said, "Do not be afraid, because I have some good news for you. The Messiah has been born in Bethlehem! You will find him wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding trough."

那晚，一些牧羊人在附近的田里看管羊群。突然，一个耀眼的天使向他们显现，他们非常害怕。天使说：“不要怕，因我带来了好消息给你们，弥赛亚主已经在伯利恒降生了！去寻找那孩子，你们会发现他被布包裹着躺在食槽里。”

The shepherds soon arrived at the place where Jesus was and they found him lying in a feeding trough, just as the angel had told them. They were very excited. Mary was very happy, too.

牧羊人找到耶稣的时候，发现他正躺在食槽里，就如天使所说的。他们非常兴奋，玛利亚也很开心。

Sometime later, wise men from countries far to the east saw an unusual star in the sky. They realized it meant a new king had been born. So, they came to Bethlehem and found the house where Jesus and his parents were staying.

一些日子后，在遥远的东方之国，有博士看到天空中有异常的星，就知道新王诞生了。他们走了很长的路来朝拜新王，来到伯利恒找到了耶稣居住的地方。

When the wise men saw Jesus with his mother, they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

他们走进房子，看见婴儿和他的母亲马利亚在一起，就俯身拜他。然后打开为婴儿带来的宝箱，拿出金子、乳香和没药等礼物献给他。

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.

耶稣诞生的地方

有个美丽的故事从来无人传讲，古时的智者也许耳熟能详：

有三个伤心的孩子，黎明时，早早来到耶稣诞生的地方。

一个孩子看不见，一个孩子腿脚不方便，还有一个是哑巴，嘴里不说一句话。

他们追随那颗星，来到郊外小马棚，看到小小主耶稣，安详沉睡恬梦中。

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!

小婴孩基督，如此美丽可爱，没醒也没笑，却听到他们内心祷告：

盼望他来，相信他生，赞美他把上帝的平安带给世上万姓。

有光温柔地从门缝穿过，瘸腿的孩子可以站起来了，

哑巴孩子开始轻轻地吟唱，那个眼瞎的孩子，也满心欢喜，因为他看见了万王之王！

What Can I Give Him?

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

我能给他什么？

像我这样小的年纪，能够献给他什么？

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

我若是个牧人，就会献给他一只羊。

If I were a wise man, I’d do my part.

我若是个智者，就会去尽我的力量。

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

我知道要给他什么，要给他我的心。

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:

耶稣的圣诞愿望

既然耶稣的生日到了，我们自然希望送些特别的东西给他，就好像我们的亲人过生日的时候，我们经常送给他们礼物，或为他们做些特别的事情一样。但是对于宇宙之王，拥有万有的主来说，我们能送给他什么呢？当我在考虑这个问题的时候，突然想到，我们可以直接问问主，他最希望我们送他什么。下面是他说的六种礼物：

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.

爱的礼物

在这个特别的日子里，人人都希望与自己最在乎的人在一起，我希望和你在一起。

它不必盛大，也不必精心安排。你想做什么，就做什么，只要你我在一起就行。我们可以坐下来，聊天，也可以一起读点有意义的东西，然后停下来，沉思所读的内容。我们还可以告诉对方，我们爱和欣赏对方哪些方面。你可以用这些方式向我表示你爱我，你并没有忘记这是谁的生日。

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.

给予的礼物

圣诞节是个给予的时间。在这个时间，我父把他的独生子，我，赐给了世人。在这个时间，我来到世上，为那些愿意接受永生的人舍命。在这个时间，人们彼此赠送礼物，纪念我父和我赐给他们的礼物。

今年圣诞节，我要你送给我“给予”之礼。去给予他人，像给予我那样。花点时间求问我，你可以为别人做点什么。通过向他人显示善意，来回报我父的善意吧。

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.

感恩的礼物

你感恩的赞美让我快乐。无论什么时候，什么事情让你快乐，让你觉得为人所爱，都可以为它感谢我。这样，它就成了你我之间的礼物交换。我给你祝福，让你快乐，你感谢我，让我快乐。你若坚持为一切感谢我，我就会赐给你更多，然后，每一天都会变得像圣诞节一样。

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.

祷告的礼物

为他人祷告吧，以此把你的爱付诸行动，而我必将大赏报。

你若不知从何开始，别担心；我看得到你的心。你若觉得自己不善表达，别担心；我看得到你的心。是你的爱和关心推动我的手，去满足你所祷告的人的需要。

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.

宽恕的礼物

圣诞节是一年中和好的好时间。和好经常从你开始，你先采取主动去宽恕别人，哪怕你觉得对方应该来请求宽恕。有没有人说过或做过什么事伤害了你？宽恕吧。

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.

“分享我爱” 的礼物

有句话说得很对：我自己没有手，唯靠你的手；我自己没有脚，唯靠你的脚；我自己没有眼睛，唯靠你的眼睛；我自己没有嘴，唯靠你的嘴。今年圣诞节，你若真想送我一份好礼物，那就让我使用你吧。让我用爱把你充满，然后让这爱漫溢到他人身上。

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.

思索空间: 为何会有圣诞节

耶稣是上帝给全世界的礼物。那不只是圣诞节的礼物，而是每一天的礼物，是我们生命的过往今来、直到永恒的礼物。圣诞节来又去了，但是耶稣从不会离开我们的心。

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.

圣诞故事让我们体会到，任何人都可以从微小的阶段开始。耶稣开始时，只是个在马厩诞生的小婴儿，但他最终坐在上帝宝座的右手边。而且因为有他，我们小小的开始在他永恒的国度里，会有更伟大的结果。

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

圣诞节是一种心态。它是幸福、感恩、爱和给予。做这些事吧！这样每一天都会觉得像圣诞节一样。

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

圣诞的心是一颗给予的心，一颗大大敞开的心，一颗总是先想到别人的心。

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.

在耶稣降生当晚歌唱赞美的天使，今天仍在歌唱。他们的歌声稍被生活的噪音和繁忙所淹没，但如果你花时间细心聆听，你就会听到。加入他们，与他们一起歌唱赞美我们的天父吧。

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.

当你沉浸在圣诞祝福中的时候，停下来，想一想耶稣出生的那个穷困环境。他拥有一切，然而变得如此贫穷。他变得一无所有，为的是让我们能够拥有一切。我们所有的，都应归功于他。

www.freekidstories.org

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

Page 4: Designed by Freepik

Jesus’ Christmas Wish List:

Page 1: public domain

Page 2: public domain

Page 3: Designed by v.ivash/Freepik

Page 4: Designed by Freepik

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:

Page 1: public domain

Page 2: public domain

Page 3: Designed by v.ivash/Freepik

Page 4: public domain

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

Page 6: Designed by Lyashenko/Freepik

Text Credits:

The First Christmas:

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

Pages 2-9: Adapted from Open Bible Stories, by Unfolding Word. Used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Added content in English (on pages 2 and 9) is from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Bible verses in Chinese on pages 2 & 9 are taken from the Chinese New Testament: Easy to Read Version, © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center, Inc. and used by permission.

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