【双语灵修】说「谢谢」SAYING “THANK YOU”

路加福音1:67-80

他父亲撒迦利亚被圣灵充满了，就预言说： “主以色列的神是应当称颂的！因他眷顾他的百姓，为他们施行救赎， 在他仆人大卫家中，为我们兴起了拯救的角， 正如主藉着从创世以来圣先知的口所说的话， 拯救我们脱离仇敌和一切恨我们之人的手； 向我们列祖施怜悯、记念他的圣约， 就是他对我们祖宗亚伯拉罕所起的誓， 叫我们既从仇敌手中被救出来， 就可以终身在他面前，坦然无惧地用圣洁、公义侍奉他。 孩子啊，你要称为至高者的先知，因为你要行在主的前面，预备他的道路， 叫他的百姓因罪得赦就知道救恩。 因我们神怜悯的心肠，叫清晨的日光从高天临到我们， 要照亮坐在黑暗中死荫里的人，把我们的脚引到平安的路上。”那孩子渐渐长大，心灵强健，住在旷野，直到他显明在以色列人面前的日子。

12月12日

说「谢谢」

「他父亲撒迦利亚被圣灵充满，就预言说……」 - 路加福音 1:67

拆礼物是我们家圣诞庆典的重要环节。每年孩子们都兴奋期待将收到甚么。但其中最关键的是学会了感恩—因此当收到礼物时，孩子们都学会了说：「谢谢！」

因着约翰的诞生，撒迦利亚被圣灵充满，向神献上了赞美与感恩。他追溯神如何信守承诺拯救子民：神以恩典邀请迷失的子民归向祂、事奉祂，并透过他们带来救主（「耶稣」）—这位应许的弥赛亚（「基督」）将带来救赎、赦免和平安。

撒迦利亚和伊利莎白的儿子约翰，将为迎接耶稣的降临扮演独特角色，而这位救主耶稣（同时也是神的儿子），正是我们在圣诞节收到的至高礼物。

当我们看见这份礼物时，应该说甚么呢？我们是否也为神的拯救和事奉的邀请心存感恩？是否鼓励邻舍与家人看见他们在神计划中的角色？

愿这个季节你收到和送出的每份礼物都提醒你，神在基督里同在的至高恩赐。愿我们都以感恩和顺服作为回应。

祷告

恩慈的天父，感谢你赐下无数恩典，更让你的独生子带来赦免与永生。我们愿将自己献上作为回应。阿们。

Luke 1:67-80

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

SAYING “THANK YOU”

His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. . . . —Luke 1:67

Opening gifts is a big part of our family’s Christmas celebration. Each year, our kids are excited to see what they’ll receive. But one important part of all this is learning about gratitude. So when they receive a gift, our kids have learned to say, “Thank you!”

In response to the birth of John and filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah offered praise and thanks to God. He recalled how God had fulfilled his promises to deliver his people. God had graciously invited his wayward people to love and serve him, and through those people God was bringing forth a Savior (“Jesus”), the promised Messiah (“Christ”), who would bring salvation, forgiveness, and peace.

Zechariah and Elizabeth’s son, John, would play a unique role in preparing people for the coming of Jesus—and this Savior, Jesus, who is also the Son of God, is the greatest gift we receive at Christmas.

When we see this gift, what do we say? Do we too respond with gratitude for God’s deliverance and his invitation to serve him? Do we encourage our neighbors and families to see their role in God’s plan?

May the gifts you give and receive this season remind you of the greatest gift of God’s presence in Jesus Christ. And may we all give thanks and grateful obedience in response.

Thank you, gracious Father! You have given us so many gifts. And, what’s more, your

Son has come to bring us forgiveness and eternal life. We give ourselves to you in response. Amen.