第01章 救主降生
§1
第01章 救主降生
§2
Chapter 1—Beginnings
§3
基督是寻找好珠子的天上买卖人。祂从丧亡的人类身上看到了贵重的珍珠。祂从被罪恶玷污败坏的人身上，看出了救赎的可能性。1?{CSA 4.1}[1]
§4
Christ, the heavenly merchantman seeking goodly pearls, saw in lost humanity the pearl of price. In man, defiled and ruined by sin, he saw the possibilities of redemption. 1 {CSA 4.1}[1]
§5
“耶稣基督降生的事，记在下面。祂母亲马利亚已经许配了约瑟，还没有迎娶，马利亚就从圣灵怀了孕。她丈夫约瑟是个义人，不愿意明明地羞辱她，想要暗暗地把她休了。正思念这事的时候，有主的使者向他梦中显现，说：大卫的子孙约瑟，不要怕，只管娶过你的妻子马利亚来。因她所怀的孕，是从圣灵来的。她将要生一个儿子。你要给祂起名叫耶稣。因祂要将自己的百姓从罪恶里救出来。{CSA 4.2}[2]
§6
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.{CSA 4.2}[2]
§7
“这一切的事成就，是要应验主藉先知所说的话， 说，必有童女，怀孕生子，人要称祂的名为以马内利。（以马内利翻出来，就是上帝与我们同在。） 约瑟醒了，起来，就遵着主使者的吩咐，把妻子娶过来。只是没有和她同房，等她生了儿子，就给祂起名叫耶稣”（太1:18-25）。{CSA 4.3}[3]
§8
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. Matthew 1:18-25. {CSA 4.3}[3]
§9
“在伯利恒之野地里有牧羊的人，夜间按着更次看守羊群。有主的使者站在他们旁边，主的荣光四面照着他们。牧羊的人就甚惧怕。那天使对他们说：不要惧怕，我报给你们大喜的信息，是关乎万民的。因今天在大卫的城里，为你们生了救主，就是主基督。你们要看见一个婴孩，包着布，卧在马槽里，那就是记号了。忽然有一大队天兵，同那天使赞美上帝说：在至高之处荣耀归与上帝，在地上平安归与祂所喜悦的人。{CSA 4.4}[4]
§10
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. {CSA 4.4}[4]
§11
“众天使离开他们，升天去了，牧羊的人彼此说：我们往伯利恒去，看看所成的事，就是主所指示我们的。他们急忙去了，就寻见马利亚和约瑟，又有那婴孩卧在马槽里。既然看见，就把天使论这孩子的话传开了。凡听见的，就诧异牧羊之人对他们所说的话。马利亚却把这一切的事存在心里，反复思想。牧羊的人回去了，因所听见所看见的一切事，正如天使向他们所说的，就归荣耀与上帝，赞美祂”（路2:8-20）。?{CSA 4.5}[5]
§12
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad thesaying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:8-20. {CSA 4.5}[5]
§13
救主的降临在伊甸园中就已经预言。当亚当夏娃初次听到这个应许时，就希望它快快实现。他们欢欣地迎接他们头生的儿子，希望他或许就是那要来的拯救者。但这应许的实现迟延了。那些最先接受这应许的人，到死的时候还没有看到它的应验。从以诺的日子以来，先祖和先知们经常重申这个应许，提醒人祂显现的盼望，然而救主仍没有来。先知但以理的预言启示了祂降临的时间，但不是每一个人都能准确地解释这句话的。光阴一代一代地过去。众先知的声音停息了。压迫者的手重重地加在以色列人身上，以致许多人不禁呼喊说：“日子迟延，一切异象都落了空”（结12:22）。{CSA 5.1}[6]
§14
The Saviours coming was foretold in Eden. When Adam and Eve first heard the promise, they looked for its speedy fulfillment. They joyfully welcomed their first-born son, hoping that he might be the Deliverer. But the fulfillment of the promise tarried. Those who first received it died without the sight. From the days of Enoch the promise was repeated through patriarchs and prophets, keeping alive the hope of His appearing, and yet He came not. The prophecy of Daniel revealed the time of His advent, but not all rightly interpreted the message. Century after century passed away; the voices of the prophets ceased. The hand of the oppressor was heavy upon Israel, and many were ready to exclaim, “The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth.” Ezekiel 12:22. {CSA 5.1}[6]
§15
但是像天空中的星宿循着指定的轨道运行一样，上帝旨意的成全既不过急，也不迟延。古时上帝用大黑暗和冒烟的炉为表号，向亚伯拉罕启示以色列人在埃及为奴的事，并宣布他们寄居在异地的时间是四百年。祂说：“后来他们必带着许多财物，从那里出来”（创15:14）。法老倾其全国的势力来反抗这句话，也是徒然。正在上帝应许所指定的“那一天，耶和华的军队都从埃及地出来了”（出12:41）。照样，在天上的议会中，基督降生的时辰，也是曾经决定了的。时钟一指到那个时辰，耶稣就在伯利恒降生了。?2{CSA 5.2}[7]
§16
But like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, Gods purposes know no haste and no delay. Through the symbols of the great darkness and the smoking furnace, God had revealed to Abraham the bondage of Israel in Egypt, and had declared that the time of their sojourning should be four hundred years. “Afterward,” He said, “shall they come out with great substance.” Genesis 15:14. Against that word, all the power of Pharaohs proud empire battled in vain. On “the self-same day” appointed in the divine promise, “it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.” Exodus 12:41. So in heavens council the hour for the coming of Christ had been determined. When the great clock of time pointed to that hour, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 2 {CSA 5.2}[7]
§17
荣耀的王屈身自卑，取了人性。祂在地上的环境是简陋不堪的。祂把自己的荣光遮蔽起来，使祂外表的威仪不致成为引人注意的对象。祂避免一切外表的炫耀。世上的荣华富贵和人间的功名事业，决不能救一个人脱离死亡。耶稣决意不用任何属世的吸引力呼召人到祂身旁，只愿凡跟从祂的人完全为天上真理之美所吸引。弥赛亚的特征早就在预言中说明了。祂要人凭着上帝之话的见证而接受祂。{CSA 5.3}[8]
§18
The King of glory stooped low to take humanity. Rude and forbidding were His earthly surroundings. His glory was veiled, that the majesty of His outward form might not become an object of attraction. He shunned all outward display. Riches, worldly honor, and human greatness can never save a soul from death; Jesus purposed that no attraction of an earthly nature should call men to His side. Only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those who would follow Him. The character of the Messiah had long been foretold in prophecy, and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the word of God. {CSA 5.3}[8]
§19
天使们曾对光荣的救赎计划感到惊奇。他们注视着上帝的子民怎样接受祂那披着人性的儿子。?3{CSA 5.4}[9]
§20
The angels had wondered at the glorious plan of redemption. They watched to see how the people of God would receive His Son, clothed in the garb of humanity. 3 {CSA 5.4}[9]
§21
约瑟和马利亚从他们拿撒勒的家启程前往大卫的城，一路上有天使护送着。罗马帝国所颁布要其广大领土的人民报名上册的命令，已经传到住在加利利山地的居民那里。正如古时居鲁士被召坐在普世大国的宝座上，乃是要叫他使上帝被掳的子民得释放。照样，凯撒.奥古斯都也作了上帝的工具，来实现祂的旨意，将耶稣的母亲带到伯利恒来。她是大卫的后人，而“大卫的儿子”必须生在大卫的城里。先知论到伯利恒曾说：“将来必有一位从你那里出来，在以色列中为我作掌权的。祂的根源从亘古，从太初就有”（弥5:2）。但是在他们王系的城里，却没有人认识约瑟和马利亚，更没有人尊敬他们。他们辛苦疲乏，无家可归，在狭窄的街道上来回行走，从城门直到城的尽东，要想寻找一个过宿的栖身之处，却是徒然。在拥挤的客店里没有他们下榻的地方。最后他们在一所圈养牲畜的简陋房子里找到了安身之处。就在这里，世界的救赎主降生了。?4{CSA 5.5}[10]
§22
Angels attend Joseph and Mary as they journey from their home in Nazareth to the city of David. The decree of imperial Rome for the enrollment of the peoples of her vast dominion has extended to the dwellers among the hills of Galilee. As in old time Cyrus was called to the throne of the worlds empire that he might set free the captives of the Lord, so Caesar Augustus is made the agent for the fulfillment of Gods purpose in bringing the mother of Jesus to Bethlehem. She is of the lineage of David, and the Son of David must be born in Davids city. Out of Bethlehem, said the prophet, “shall He come forth ... that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity.” Micah 5:2, margin. But in the city of their royal line, Joseph and Mary are unrecognized and unhonored. Weary and homeless, they traverse the entire length of the narrow street, from the gate of the city to the eastern extremity of the town, vainly seeking a resting place for the night. There is no room for them at the crowded inn. In a rude building where the beasts are sheltered, they at last find refuge, and here the Redeemer of the world is born. 4 {CSA 5.5}[10]
§23
在伯利恒附近的山上聚集着无数的天使。他们等待信号，要向世人宣告这大喜的信息。如果以色列的领袖们忠于他们所受的托付，他们是能够分享报告耶稣降生消息之喜乐的，但是现在他们却被越过了。5{CSA 6.1}[11]
§24
Above the hills of Bethlehem are gathered an innumerable throng of angels. They wait the signal to declare the glad news to the world. Had the leaders in Israel been true to their trust, they might have shared the joy of heralding the birth of Jesus. But now they are passed by.5 {CSA 6.1}[11]
§25
在从前少年大卫牧羊的野地里，仍有牧羊人在夜间按着更次看守羊群。夜静更深的时候，他们在一起谈论所应许的救主，并祈求祂来坐在大卫的宝座上。忽然，“有主的使者站在他们旁边，主的荣光四面照着他们，牧羊的人就甚惧怕。那天使对他们说：不要惧怕，我报给你们大喜的信息，是关乎万民的，因今天在大卫的城里，为你们生了救主，就是主基督。” {CSA 6.2}[12]
§26
In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch by night. Through the silent hours they talked together of the promised Saviour, and prayed for the coming of the King to Davids throne. “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” {CSA 6.2}[12]
§27
牧羊人一听见这些话，心中便充满了荣耀的想象。“拯救者”果然来到了以色列！一般人认为随祂而来的必是权势、尊荣和胜利。但天使必须使他们思想上有所准备，能认识在贫穷和屈辱中的救主。他说：“你们要看见一个婴孩，包着布，卧在马槽里，那就是记号了。” {CSA 6.3}[13]
§28
At these words, visions of glory fill the minds of the listening shepherds. The Deliverer has come to Israel! Power, exaltation, triumph, are associated with His coming. But the angel must prepare them to recognize their Saviour in poverty and humiliation. “This shall be a sign unto you,” he says; “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” {CSA 6.3}[13]
§29
天上的使者已安抚了他们恐惧之心，告诉他们怎样可以找到耶稣。天使温柔地关怀他们血肉之体的软弱，曾给他们充分的时间，使他们习惯于神圣的光辉。这时，喜乐和荣耀不能再受抑制了。整个平原因天军所发射的荣耀光亮如昼。大地寂静无声。天庭俯听着以下的歌声： {CSA 6.4}[14]
§30
The heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told them how to find Jesus. With tender regard for their human weakness, he had given them time to become accustomed to the divine radiance. Then the joy and glory could no longer be hidden. The whole plain was lighted up with the bright shining of the hosts of God. Earth was hushed, and heaven stooped to listen to the song,— {CSA 6.4}[14]
§31
“在至高之处荣耀归与上帝在地上平安归与祂所喜悦的人。”?6{CSA 6.5}[15]
§32
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.” 6 {CSA 6.5}[15]
§33
天使不见了，荣光消逝了。黑夜的阴影再度笼罩在伯利恒的群山。但是人类的眼睛所从未见过的最光明的景象，依然存在牧羊人的记忆之中。“众天使离开他们升天去了，牧羊的人彼此说：我们往伯利恒去，看看所成的事，就是主所指示我们的。他们急忙去了，就寻见马利亚和约瑟，又有那婴孩卧在马槽里。” 7{CSA 6.6}[16]
§34
As the angels disappeared, the light faded away, and the shadows of night once more fell on the hills of Bethlehem. But the brightest picture ever beheld by human eyes remained in the memory of the shepherds. “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” 7 {CSA 6.6}[16]
§35
天与地之间的距离，今天并不比当日牧羊人听天使歌声的时候更加遥远。人类今日仍是天庭所极为关怀的对象，正如古时从事普通职业的平民，在日中遇见天使，在葡萄园和田野中与天上的使者说话一样。天离我们这些从事普通职业的人也可能很近。来自天庭的使者，必照顾一切按着上帝吩咐行事的人。{CSA 6.7}[17]
§36
Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when shepherds listened to the angels’ song. Humanity is still as much the object of heavens solicitude as when common men of common occupations met angels at noonday, and talked with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields. To us in the common walks of life, heaven may be very near. Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at Gods command. {CSA 6.7}[17]
§37
伯利恒的故事是一个无穷尽的题目，其中包藏着“深哉！上帝丰富的智慧和知识”（罗11:33）。我们看到救主的牺牲，竟以天上的宝座换成马槽，以厩中的牲畜代替伴随祂、敬拜祂的天使，不禁为之惊奇不已。人的骄傲和自满，在基督面前是要深受责备的。然而这还不过是祂那不可思议的谦卑的开始呢！上帝的儿子取了人的性质。即使是取了亚当在伊甸园中未曾犯罪时的性质，已经是无限的屈辱了。但是耶稣竟接受了人类经过四千年的犯罪而败坏的体质。祂像亚当的每个儿女一样，承受了广泛的遗传律所造成的后果。这些后果在祂属世祖先的历史中可见一斑。祂带着如此的遗传到世上来，分担我们的忧伤和试探，并给我们留下一个无罪生活的榜样。?8{CSA 6.8}[18]
§38
The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden “the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.” Romans 11:33. We marvel at the Saviours sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take mans nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life. 8 {CSA 6.8}[18]