The gift of God’s love in us can bring light to any darkness.

上帝的爱能带来光明驱逐黑暗。

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

我是世界的光。跟从我的，就不在黑暗里走，必要得着生命的光。-约翰福音8章12节

Each year for several weeks around Christmas, Singapore’s tourist belt, Orchard Road, is transformed into a wonderland of lights and colors. This light-up is designed to attract tourists to spend their money at the many stores along the street during this “golden month of business.” Shoppers come to enjoy the festivities, listen to choirs sing familiar Christmas carols, and watch performers entertain.

每年圣诞节前后几周，新加坡的观光地带乌节路，就会变成五彩缤纷、灯光璀璨的乐园。这项亮灯活动的目的主要是吸引游客，希望他们在这“商业黄金月”来此逛街消费。购物者可以来这里享受节庆气氛，聆听合唱团吟唱熟悉的圣诞歌曲，并欣赏娱乐表演。

The first Christmas “light-up” ever was not created by electrical cables, glitter, and neon lights but by “the glory of the Lord [that] shone around” (Luke 2:9). No tourists saw it, just a few simple shepherds out in their field. And it was followed by an unexpected rendition of “Glory to God in the Highest” by an angelic choir (v. 14).

但历史上第一次的圣诞“亮灯场景”，并不是由电线、闪烁灯泡与霓虹灯营造出来的，而是“主的荣光四面照着他们”（路加福音2章9节） 。此情此景没有游客看见，只有旷野里的几个牧羊人亲眼目睹。接着，天使还出人意料地高声合唱：“在至高之处荣耀归与上帝！”（14节）

The shepherds went to Bethlehem to see if what the angels said was true (v. 15). After they had confirmed it, they could not keep to themselves what they had heard and seen. “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (v. 17).

过后，牧羊人前往伯利恒，看看天使所说的是否属实（15节） 。一经证实，他们不禁到处与人分享他们的所见所闻，正如圣经说：“既然看见，就把天使论这孩子的话传开了。”（17节）

Many of us have heard the Christmas story often. This Christmas, why not share the good news with others that Christ—“the light of the world”—has come (John 8:12).

我们常听见圣诞节的故事。在今年这个圣诞节，让我们也与人分享基督的故事，告诉他们这位“世界的光”已经降临！（约翰福音8章12节）

Lord, help me this Christmas to reflect the light of Your presence and goodness to others.

主啊，求祢帮助我在今年圣诞节，
反映祢同在与良善的光辉，照耀别人。

John 8:12-20New International Version (NIV)

Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

13 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”

14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”

19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?”

“You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.