第一段講道：【上帝賜安眠】(中間信息)
在「平安暝，聖誕暝」的歌聲中，彷彿將我們帶回到第一個聖誕夜，那個寧靜的夜晚，耶穌基督誕生在伯利恆的一個簡陋馬槽中。第一個聖誕夜看似平凡，卻深具神聖的意義。在那個黑暗的世代，以色列人民正處於羅馬帝國的極權統治之下，民族受壓迫、生活艱難，心靈渴望拯救與希望。然而，救主的降生並未以威勢與榮耀彰顯，反而以謙卑與柔和進入這個世界，顯示上帝的愛是超越人類理解的深邃。
耶穌的降生帶來了從上帝而來的真正平安，這並非僅止於外在的和平，也是從內心開始的安寧。祂的來到實現了以賽亞書的預言：「因為有一個嬰仔已經為著咱出世，有一個子賜互咱。伊欲負擔國政；伊的名欲稱做：賢明的導師，全能的上帝，永在的天父，和平的君王。」（以賽亞書9:6）這位和平之君的降臨，為人類提供了一條通往救贖與上帝和好的道路。
對於今日紛擾不安的世界，耶穌的平安依然是一盞明燈。當我們面對戰爭、災難、壓力與焦慮時，耶穌的應許提醒我們：「我將平安留互恁；我將我的平安賜互恁。我賜互恁的及此世間啲互人的無仝款。」（約翰福音14:27）這平安不是逃避問題、不是失去公義的理想，而是即使身處風暴之中，心靈仍能穩固的力量。
耶穌的降生亦帶來對世界的挑戰，呼召我們成為和平的使者，活出祂的愛與公義。在我們周圍的黑暗中，基督徒受召成為光，透過行公義、好憐憫，謙卑與上帝同行，並將祂的平安傳遞給更多人。當我們領受並實踐這平安，世界將因祂的愛與公義而改變。
同心祈禱：
主耶穌，祢降生的寧靜夜晚，對今日的我們而言，不僅是歷史事件，更是當下的應許與盼望。在黑暗籠罩的世界中，耶穌基督成為光，祢的平安能更新人心，也能點燃改變世界的力量。願我們信靠祢、跟隨妳，在祢裡面找到真實且長久的安寧。奉耶穌基督的名祈禱。阿們。
《God Grants Restful Sleep》(Interlude)
In the melody of "Silent Night, Holy Night," we seem to be transported back to the very first Christmas Eve—that serene night when Jesus Christ was born in a humble manger in Bethlehem. The first Christmas night appeared ordinary, yet it bore profound sacred significance. In that dark era, the people of Israel were under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire, enduring hardships and longing for salvation and hope. However, the Savior's arrival was not marked by power or glory but by humility and gentleness, revealing a love from God that surpasses human comprehension.
The birth of Jesus brought true peace from God, a peace that is not merely external but begins in the heart. His coming fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah:
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). The arrival of this Prince of Peace provided humanity with a path to redemption and reconciliation with God.
For today's chaotic and unsettled world, the peace of Jesus remains a beacon of light. When we face wars, disasters, pressures, and anxieties, His promise reminds us:
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives" (John 14:27). This peace is not about avoiding problems or forsaking justice; rather, it is a steadfast strength that sustains us even in the midst of storms.
Jesus’ birth also challenges the world, calling us to be peacemakers and to live out His love and justice. In the darkness around us, Christians are called to be light, to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, sharing His peace with others. As we receive and practice this peace, the world can be transformed by His love and righteousness.
Praying Together
Lord Jesus, the silent night of Your birth is not only a historical event to us today but also a present promise and hope. In a world shrouded in darkness, Jesus Christ becomes the light. Your peace renews hearts and ignites the power to transform the world. May we trust in You, follow You, and find true and lasting peace in You. In Jesus Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
