第77章 论圣诞节
§1
第77章 论圣诞节
§2
Chap. 77 - Christmas
§3
以圣诞为节期——在我们这个世界之上，“圣诞节快到了”真是一句全球响应的话了。地，不论东西南北；人，无分幼青壮老，无不将圣诞节当作一个普天同庆，薄海腾欢的时期。但是什么叫作“圣诞节”？圣诞节何以理应受人如此重视呢？[1]
§4
Christmas as a Holiday.--Christmas is coming, is the note that is sounded throughout our world from east to west and from north to south. With youth, those of mature age, and even the aged, it is a period of general rejoicing, of great gladness. But what is Christmas, that it should demand so much attention? . . . {AH 477.1}[1]
§5
十二月二十五日虽是信以为真的耶稣的诞辰，这日的遵守虽已相沿成习，流行普遍；但我们现今所守的究竟是否救主诞生的确实日期，则颇难断定。历史对此既无确凿的证据；《圣经》也未指示我们一定的时期。如果主认为确知这日对于我们的得救问题乃属必要，他就必借着他的先知和使徒宣布出来，那么我们也可以得悉有关这事的一切了。既然《圣经》对此保持缄默。实足以证明这事之所以向我们隐藏，乃含有最明智的用意。[2]
§6
The twenty-fifth of December is supposed to be the day of the birth of Jesus Christ, and its observance has become customary and popular. But yet there is no certainty that we are keeping the veritable day of our Saviours birth. History gives us no certain assurance of this. The Bible does not give us the precise time. Had the Lord deemed this knowledge essential to our salvation, He would have spoken through His prophets and apostles, that we might know all about the matter. But the silence of the Scriptures upon this point evidences to us that it is hidden from us for the wisest purposes. {AH 477.2}[2]
§7
主本乎他的智慧，隐藏了摩西埋葬的地方。上帝埋葬了他，又使他复活，并将他提到天上去。这事之所以保守秘密，原是为了防止崇拜偶像。因为当他生前在世服务时，他们（指以色列人）背叛过他，几乎令人无法忍受地激怒过他，在他因死而与他们永别之后，反倒几乎被当作神明般崇拜了。他隐瞒了基督诞生的确定日期，也是为了这同样的目的，以免人敬重这日，反而忽略将尊荣归于人类的救星基督——就是那位应受接待，应予信赖，应加依靠，而且对于凡进到他面前的人，他都能拯救到底的主。心灵的崇敬，理应归于无穷之上帝的儿子耶稣。[3]
§8
In His wisdom the Lord concealed the place where He buried Moses. God buried him, and God resurrected him and took him to heaven. This secrecy was to prevent idolatry. He against whom they rebelled while he was in active service, whom they provoked almost beyond human endurance, was almost worshiped as God after his separation from them by death. For the very same purpose He has concealed the precise day of Christs birth, that the day should not receive the honor that should be given to Christ as the Redeemer of the world--one to be received, to be trusted, to be relied on as He who could save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. The souls adoration should be given to Jesus as the Son of the infinite God. {AH 477.3}[3]
§9
这日不应忽视——十二月二十五日既被守为庆祝基督诞生的日子，儿童们既已在教训及榜样上受过指导，知道这确是一个欢欣快乐的日子，那么你们就必发觉要对此一时期置之不理，而不加以注意，真是颇不容易的事。其实这个节期很可以作极佳的用途。[4]
§10
The Day Not to Be Ignored.--As the twenty-fifth of December is observed to commemorate the birth of Christ, as the children have been instructed by precept and example that this was indeed a day of gladness and rejoicing, you will find it a difficult matter to pass over this period without giving it some attention. It can be made to serve a very good purpose. {AH 478.1}[4]
§11
对待青年人应当极其谨慎。切莫任凭他们在圣诞节自寻无益的消遣与游戏，以及有害于他们灵性的娱乐。作父母的可以借着转移儿女的心意及捐款，使之奉献给上帝和他的圣工，以及救灵的运动而管理这事。[5]
§12
The youth should be treated very carefully. They should not be left on Christmas to find their own amusement in vanity and pleasure seeking, in amusements which will be detrimental to their spirituality. Parents can control this matter by turning the minds and the offerings of their children to God and His cause and the salvation of souls. {AH 478.2}[5]
§13
追求娱乐的欲望，本来毋须强予阻抑，横加禁戒，乃应由父母负责，凭着辛劳的努力而予以管理与指导。他们那赠送礼物的愿望也可加以引导而使之施于纯正圣洁的用途，借着供应府库的需要，维持基督降生此世所要成就之伟大工作而造福同胞。他的行为在在均表现克己牺牲的精神。但愿我们这班自认爱耶稣的人也都有同样的表现，因为我们永生的盼望乃在他里面。[6]
§14
The desire for amusement, instead of being quenched and arbitrarily ruled down, should be controlled and directed by painstaking effort upon the part of the parents. Their desire to make gifts may be turned into pure and holy channels and made to result in good to our fellow men by supplying the treasury in the great, grand work for which Christ came into our world. Self-denial and self-sacrifice marked His course of action. Let it mark ours who profess to love Jesus because in Him is centered our hope of eternal life. {AH 478.3}[6]
§15
互赠礼物表示亲爱——节期快到，又是互相送礼的时候了，而无论老少，都在用心研究送什么给自己的朋友，作为表示亲爱与纪念的礼物。从我们所爱的人那里得到一份礼物，不论它是多么微薄，也是一件愉快的事。这事证明我们没有被人遗忘，而且似乎可以使我们和他们更亲密一点。[7]
§16
The Interchange of Gifts as Tokens of Affection.-- The holiday season is fast approaching with its interchange of gifts, and old and young are intently studying what they can bestow upon their friends as a token of affectionate remembrance. It is pleasant to receive a gift, however small, from those we love. It is an assurance that we are not forgotten, and seems to bind us to them a little closer. . . . {AH 478.4}[7]
§17
只要我们不顾此失彼，忘了我们至好的良友上帝，则彼此互赠礼物以表示亲爱并作为纪念，乃是正当合理的。但我们应使所赠的礼物对于受礼人具有实在的惠益。我建议要赠送那些能帮助了解上帝的圣言，或增进我们喜爱其律例之心的书籍。要为冬令漫长的晚间预备合适的读物。[8]
§18
It is right to bestow upon one another tokens of love and remembrance if we do not in this forget God, our best friend. We should make our gifts such as will prove a real benefit to the receiver. I would recommend such books as will be an aid in understanding the word of God or that will increase our love for its precepts. Provide something to be read during these long winter evenings. {AH 479.1}[8]
§19
推荐若干适于儿童的书籍——许多人都没有关于现代真理的书刊。在这方面有一个可以安全投资的广大园地。许许多多的儿童都应供给他们读物。《日光集》，《金粒集》，《时辑》，《安息圣日读物》（本文所提及之书刊均已绝版。但因所阐述之原则至今依然适用，故仍保留于本文中）等等；都是极其宝贵的书籍，可以毫无顾虑地介绍给每一个家庭。无数耗费在糖果与无用的玩具上的小钱，最好节约下来购置这一类的书籍。[9]
§20
Books for Children Are Recommended.--There are many who have not books and publications upon present truth. Here is a large field where money can be safely invested. There are large numbers of little ones who should be supplied with reading. The Sunshine Series, Golden Grains Series, Poems, Sabbath Readings, [NOTE: REFERENCE IS MADE IN THIS ARTICLE TO NONCURRENT PUBLICATIONS. AS THE PRINCIPLES SET FORTH IN THIS CONNECTION ARE APPLICABLE TODAY, THESE SPECIFIC REFERENCES ARE LEFT IN THE ARTICLE.] etc., are all precious books and may be introduced safely into every family. The many trifles usually spent on candies and useless toys may be treasured up with which to buy these volumes. . . . {AH 479.2}[9]
§21
但愿凡预备将最有价值的礼物送给自己的儿孙侄甥辈之人，最好购买上述那类适于儿童的读物。对于青年而言，《贝约瑟传》是一件无价的珍宝；还有《预言之灵》第一至三辑（系怀氏早期出版之书籍，今易名为《历代之争丛书》）。在地上的各家都应置备一套这样的书籍。上帝正自天上赐下亮光，乃是每个家庭所不可或缺的。但愿你们所赠送的礼品，都能发出亮光，照明那通往天国的道途。[10]
§22
Let those who wish to make valuable presents to their children, grandchildren, nephews, and nieces procure for them the childrens books mentioned above. For young people the Life of Joseph Bates is a treasure; also the three volumes of The Spirit of Prophecy. [NOTE: EARLY E. G. WHITE BOOKS PRECEDING THE PRESENT CONFLICT OF THE AGES SERIES.] These volumes should be placed in every family in the land. God is giving light from heaven, and not a family should be without it. Let the presents you shall make be of that order which will shed beams of light upon the pathway to heaven. {AH 479.3}[10]
§23
不可忘记耶稣——弟兄姊妹们哪，当你们彼此计划馈送礼物的时候，我愿意提醒你们记住我们在天上的朋友。以免你们不注意他向你们所有的要求。我们若表示没有忘记他，他岂不会感到喜悦么？耶稣——生命之君——牺牲了一切，将救恩放在我们的掌握之中。他受尽苦难，以至于死，为要将永远的生命赐给我们。[11]
§24
Jesus Not to Be Forgotten.--Brethren and sisters, while you are devising gifts for one another, I would remind you of our heavenly Friend, lest you should be unmindful of His claims. Will He not be pleased if we show that we have not forgotten Him? Jesus, the Prince of life, gave all to bring salvation within our reach. . . . He suffered even unto death, that He might give us eternal life. {AH 480.1}[11]
§25
靠着基督，我们才能领受一切的福惠。我们那位属天的赏赐者岂不应分享我们表示感激与爱心的信物么？来啊，弟兄姊妹们啊，要带领你们的儿女，连怀抱中的婴儿也在内，按照自己的能力将你们的礼物献给上帝。你们当口唱心和地歌颂他，但愿你们的嘴唇充满了赞美他的言辞。[12]
§26
It is through Christ that we receive every blessing. . . . Shall not our heavenly Benefactor share in the tokens of our gratitude and love? Come, brethren and sisters, come with your children, even the babes in your arms, and bring your offerings to God according to your ability. Make melody to Him in your hearts, and let His praise be upon your lips. {AH 480.2}[12]
§27
圣诞节乃是尊荣上帝的时候——就世人而言，节期是用来游乐、放纵、吃喝，与炫耀的。在这即将来到的圣诞节和新年之中，将有千万块钱要虚掷在一些无谓的放纵的事上。但我们却有权摆脱这堕落时代的风俗习惯；我们不但不应将金钱花费在满足食欲，无谓的装饰，或添置衣服方面，更应使这节期成为尊荣上帝的时候。[13]
§28
Christmas--a Time to Honor God.--By the world the holidays are spent in frivolity and extravagance, gluttony and display. . . . Thousands of dollars will be worse than thrown away upon the coming Christmas and New Years in needless indulgences. But it is our privilege to depart from the customs and practices of this degenerate age; and instead of expending means merely for the gratification of the appetite or for needless ornaments or articles of clothing, we may make the coming holidays an occasion in which to honor and glorify God. {AH 480.3}[13]
§29
基督应为至尊；但人在庆祝圣诞的时候，往往竟将原应归于他的荣耀归给必死的世人，殊不知就因为他们那邪恶而有缺点的品格，他才需要到这世界上来。[14]
§30
Christ should be the supreme object; but as Christmas has been observed, the glory is turned from Him to mortal man, whose sinful, defective character made it necessary for Him to come to our world. {AH 480.4}[14]
§31
天上的至尊者，天国的大君耶稣，放弃了他的王位，撇下了他荣耀的宝座和至高的威权，来到我们这个世界上，将神圣的救助带给这道德力业已弱化，并因罪恶而致败坏之堕落的世人。[15]
§32
Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, the royal King of heaven, laid aside His royalty, left His throne of glory, His high command, and came into our world to bring to fallen man, weakened in moral power and corrupted by sin, aid divine. . . . {AH 481.1}[15]
§33
父母应常将这些事陈明在自己儿女面前，并应在他们对上帝当尽的本分上——而不是在他们彼此当尽的本分上——命上加命，例上加例地教导他们借着礼物与捐款而互相敬贺。[16]
§34
Parents should keep these things before their children and instruct them, line upon line, precept upon precept, in their obligation to God--not their obligation to each other, to honor and glorify one another by gifts and offerings. {AH 481.2}[16]
§35
当使儿女的思想转往新的方向——我们大可以想出许多佳美的方法，不必像通常赠送礼物给自己儿女和亲友那样消耗金钱，而仍能表示礼貌，使家庭中充满快乐。[17]
§36
Turn Thoughts of the Children Into a New Channel.-- There are many things which can be devised with taste and cost far less than the unnecessary presents that are so frequently bestowed upon our children and relatives, and thus courtesy can be shown and happiness brought into the home. {AH 481.3}[17]
§37
当你们向儿女说明为何改变那赠送他们之礼物的价值时，就可借此授予一番合适的教训，要告诉他们：已往你们曾注重他们的喜悦，过于顾念上帝的荣耀。要向他们说明：在赠送礼物给那些实际上并不需要之人的事上，你们曾寻求自己的快乐，博取人们的欢心，并依从世人的习俗和遗传，过于协力推进上帝的圣工。正如昔日的博士们一样，你们可以将最贵重的礼物献给上帝，借此表明你们珍视上帝所给与这个世界的恩赐。当借着鼓励他们向上帝奉献礼物，以报答他赐下独生子的恩典，而使你们儿女的思想趋往一个全新的，无私的方向。[18]
§38
You can teach your children a lesson while you explain to them the reason why you have made a change in the value of their presents, telling them that you are convinced that you have hitherto considered their pleasure more than the glory of God. Tell them that you have thought more of your own pleasure and of their gratification and of keeping in harmony with the customs and traditions of the world, in making presents to those who did not need them, than you have of advancing the cause of God. Like the wise men of old, you may offer to God your best gifts and show by your offerings to Him that you appreciate His Gift to a sinful world. Set your childrens thoughts running in a new, unselfish channel by inciting them to present offerings to God for the gift of His only-begotten Son. {AH 481.4}[18]
§39
“我们应否装置圣诞树？”——如果每个教会都在礼拜堂中安装一株圣诞树，上面挂满大小数额的捐款，上帝就必非常喜悦。我们曾收到许多询问的信，问我们应否装置圣诞树？装置圣诞树不是效法世界么？我们的回答是：如果你故意这样去作，当然你可能使之和世俗一般，否则，你也可能尽力使之与世俗有别。拣选一株芬芳的常绿树，安放在教会会堂之内，这并不算是什么罪，有罪与否，端视那促成行为的动机，以及安放在树上的那些礼物的用途如何。[19]
§40
Shall We Have a Christmas Tree?--God would be well pleased if on Christmas each church would have a Christmas tree on which shall be hung offerings, great and small, for these houses of worship. [NOTE: REFERENCE IS MADE IN THIS ARTICLE TO CURRENT BUILDING PROJECTS. AS THE PRINCIPLES SET FORTH IN THIS CONNECTION ARE APPLICABLE TODAY, THESE SPECIFIC REFERENCES ARE LEFT IN THE ARTICLE.] Letters of inquiry have come to us asking, Shall we have a Christmas tree? Will it not be like the world? We answer, You can make it like the world if you have a disposition to do so, or you can make it as unlike the world as possible. There is no particular sin in selecting a fragrant evergreen and placing it in our churches, but the sin lies in the motive which prompts to action and the use which is made of the gifts placed upon the tree. {AH 482.1}[19]
§41
树身的高度和树枝的长度，不妨尽量与场合相配；但在它的枝子上却应满挂你们金银的果实，奉献与他作为你们的圣诞礼物。当用祈祷使你们的捐赠成圣。[20]
§42
The tree may be as tall and its branches as wide as shall best suit the occasion; but let its boughs be laden with the golden and silver fruit of your beneficence, and present this to Him as your Christmas gift. Let your donations be sanctified by prayer. {AH 482.2}[20]
§43
圣诞节与新年的庆祝，可能而且应当是为孤弱无助之人而举行的。我们若献捐帮助那些负担食口众多的家庭之人，上帝就得到了荣耀。[21]
§44
Christmas and New Year celebrations can and should be held in behalf of those who are helpless. God is glorified when we give to help those who have large families to support. {AH 482.3}[21]
§45
满挂捐款的树不算是罪——在即将来临的圣诞节，作父母的人切莫以为因娱悦安息日学学员，而在教堂中装置一株圣诞树，便是罪过，须知这事或可造成大福。他们的心中应存行善的目的。在任何情形之下，都不应仅以娱乐为这些集会的目的，虽然可能有些人将使这些节期变成漫不经心的轻狂的时节，而且他们的心思也不接受神圣的感动；但在别的人，这些节期对于他们的心思和品格却是大有裨益的。我对于那许多伤风败俗的集会能用纯正无害的方式代替，感到十分满意。[22]
§46
A Tree Laden With Offerings Is Not Sinful.--Let not the parents take the position that an evergreen placed in the church for the amusement of the Sabbath school scholars is a sin, for it may be made a great blessing. Keep before their minds benevolent objects. In no case should mere amusement be the object of these gatherings. While there may be some who will turn these occasions into seasons of careless levity, and whose minds will not receive the divine impress, to other minds and characters these seasons will be highly beneficial. I am fully satisfied that innocent substitutes can be devised for many gatherings that demoralize. {AH 482.4}[22]
§47
当为这日预备无害的游乐——同作基督徒的弟兄姊妹啊，难道你们不愿奋起，本着敬畏上帝的心，负起你们的责任来安排这事，使之不至枯燥乏味，而且更充满了无害的乐趣，带有天国的印记么？我知道一般比较贫苦的人一定会响应这些建议的。即使是最富有的人也当表示感到兴趣，并且按照适当的比例，从上帝所托付他们的财物中拿出礼物和捐款来。当使天国的卷册中由于所作的捐赠都用为维持上帝的圣工并建立他的国度，而记下一次这样未得曾见的圣诞节来。[23]
§48
Provide Innocent Enjoyment for the Day.--Will you not arise, my Christian brethren and sisters, and gird yourselves for duty in the fear of God, so arranging this matter that it shall not be dry and uninteresting, but full of innocent enjoyment that shall bear the signet of Heaven? I know the poorer class will respond to these suggestions. The most wealthy should also show an interest and bestow their gifts and offerings proportionate to the means with which God has entrusted them. Let there be recorded in the heavenly books such a Christmas as has never yet been seen because of the donations which shall be given for the sustaining of the work of God and the upbuilding of His kingdom. {AH 483.1}[23]