Home昔日真理報2017年 真理報文章2017 年 12 月【新聞後記】聖誕『喜樂』

【新聞後記】聖誕『喜樂』

 

每年踏入 12 月,四周響起聖誕音樂、聖誕裝飾佈置隨處可見,火樹銀花,全城洋溢一片和諧的節日氣氛。不少人批評近年的聖誕節過份商業化及物質化,購物消費、追求佳餚美酒甚至瘋狂派對,已取代紀念救主耶穌基督降生的真正意義。然而可喜的是,即使不是基督徒的一般民眾也會藉著聖誕佳節,幫助有需要人士,又或互相饋贈小禮物,向親友送上致誠問候及祝福。聖誕期間最常說也最常聽到的說話,莫過於「聖誕快樂!」

什麼是快樂?快樂是主觀感覺,每人對快樂均有不同定義。一般字典上對快樂下的定義多半是:覺得滿足與幸福。德國哲學家康德則認為,「快樂是我們的需求得到了滿足」。國際間一直希望為快樂註下客觀的定義,其中由聯合國贊助的「可持續發展方法網路」(SDSN),自 2012 起每年公佈《世界快樂報告》(World Happiness Report),由多名經濟學、心理學、調查研究和國家統計等相關領域的頂尖學者聯合編寫,按人平均國內生產總值(GDP)、社會支援、平均健康壽命、人生抉擇自由、捐款風氣及廉潔評分。

世界快樂報告

今年的《世界快樂報告》,列出全球 155 個國家或地區的快樂指數。結果北歐國家位列三甲:挪威成為全球最幸福快樂的國家,丹麥排第2位、冰島居第 3 位。北美方面,本國加拿大排第 7 位,美國排 14 位,兩國排名均較去年下跌一位。新加坡排第 26 位,於亞洲國家中名列前茅;台灣則排名第 33 位,日本排第 51 名、南韓第 56 名;香港排名第 71 位,比去年上升 4 位;中國則位於第 79 名。至於最不快樂的 5 個國家都是貧窮國家,倒數名次是中非共和國、布隆迪、坦桑尼亞、敘利亞和盧旺達。報告指,貧窮是這些國家不快樂的主要因素,同時亦面對失業、健康及教育問題。

報告的主要作者,卑詩大學經濟學家約翰赫利威爾表示,快樂指數排名愈高,代表這個地方的人民對政府有信心、對社會抱有高度信任、社會不平等的情況較少。總括而言,經濟環境好,只可能令人快樂一點,但當財富達到某程度,便對快樂無甚進益。今年挪威上升 3 位成為全球最快樂國家,原因是儘管該國石油價格下跌,但國民在此情況下努力奮鬥。在關愛、自由、慷慨、誠實、健康、收入和善政等多方面令挪威人民感到高興。通過選擇慢慢生產石油,並將收益投資於未來,而不是花費在現在,挪威已經擺脫了許多其他資源豐富的經濟體所面對的繁榮和蕭條週期。

本國快樂指數逐年下滑

反觀,加拿大的快樂指數這 3 年逐年下滑一位,至今年跌至新低的第7位,雖然程度不算嚴重,但評論員指須要正視,不應讓情況持續惡化。然而,前景並不樂觀,原油價格偏低拖累亞省經濟發展;國債持續增加而且利率重返上升週期,削弱國民經濟能力;部份大城市樓房價格大幅飆升,增加國民置業困難;明年 7 月非藥用大麻合法化,損害社會安寧氣氛。在經濟及社會多種不穩定因素困擾下,國民的快樂指數未來極有可能持續下滑。

「喜樂」更勝「快樂」

在基督徒心中,「喜樂」比「快樂」更深層次。快樂是短暫的、物質的,購物或狂歡過後仍然感覺空虛愁苦;喜樂卻是聖靈所結的果子,不是來自地上物質的、是內在、不會因外在環境而改變的。聖經清楚說明,耶和華神是喜樂的源頭,依靠從神而來的喜樂就是力量的源頭。當我們喜樂時,便有力量面對一切逆境困難。所以我們需要喜樂,神藉著耶穌的福音帶來真正從天上而來的喜樂。耶穌在伯利恆出生,天使宣佈關乎萬民的大喜訊息,宣講耶穌為人類帶來赦罪救恩,而救恩為我們帶來新生命及屬天的喜樂。

在這普天同慶的日子,希望讀者能放慢平日匆忙的步伐,思想一下人生及信仰問題。在此送上三句聖經經文作為聖誕禮物,祝願每人都尋找到真正的「聖誕喜樂」!

「喜樂的心乃是良藥,憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。」(箴17:22)

「在你面前有滿足的喜樂;在你右手中有永遠的福樂。」(詩篇16:11 )

「但願使人有盼望的神,因信將諸般的喜樂、平安充滿你們的心,使你們藉著聖靈的能力大有盼望。」(羅15:13)

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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