聖誕的犧牲 (4)

聖誕的犧牲 (4)
聖經閱讀：路加福音2:8-16 現代中譯本|合和本
2016年12月22日(四)

　今天我們要來談牧羊人所作的犧牲，路加福音2:8說，在耶穌誕生的那一晚，「在伯利恆郊外，有些牧羊人夜間露宿，輪流看守羊群。」
這些牧羊人有任務在身，他們要照顧羊群、保護牠們，但是在天使向他們顯現並告訴他們耶穌誕生的事之後，他們毫不遲疑就動身前往伯利恆，「於是他們急忙趕去，找到了馬利亞、約瑟，和躺在馬槽裡的嬰兒」（第16節）。
聖經並沒有告訴我們這些牧羊人是否有留一些人來照顧羊群，但是我們確實知道他們決定立刻動身前去探望新生兒。牧羊人犧牲他們的時間（也許整晚沒睡！）去到伯利恆。
牧羊人迫不及待要見到那位作為他們的救主、彌賽亞和生命之主的嬰孩（第11節）。我希望你也願意犧牲自己，好讓自己可以天天跟隨並服事耶穌！ —GT

「牧羊人回去，為他們所聽見所看到的事讚美歌頌上帝。」 路加福音2:20a

禱告：親愛的主，我願捨棄我所有的一切好讓我可以服事祢。奉耶穌的名，阿們！

(尤榮輝譯)

Christmas Sacrifices (4)
Bible Reading: Luke 2:8-16
Thursday, December 22, 2016

　Today we will talk about the sacrifices made by the shepherds. Luke 2:8 says that the night Jesus was born “some shepherds were out in the fields near Bethlehem watching their sheep.”
These shepherds had responsibilities. They had flocks of sheep to take care of and protect. But after the angel appeared to them and told them about Jesus' birth, they did not hesitate to go to Bethlehem. They “went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the feeding box” (verse 16).
The Bible does not tell us if these shepherds left someone in charge of the sheep. But we do know that they chose to go right away and see the new baby. The shepherds sacrificed their time (and probably a night's sleep!) to go to Bethlehem.
The shepherds were anxious to see the baby who was their Savior, Messiah and Lord (verse 11). I hope you are willing to make sacrifices so you can follow and serve Jesus every day! —GT

“The shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard.”
Luke 2:20a

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I am willing to give up all I have so I can serve You. In Jesus' name. Amen.