為了歡迎不同文化的國際賓客，我們教會舉辦了一場別開生面的聖誕晚宴。樂團演唱中東的傳統聖誕詩歌，我開心地跟著烏德琴和阿拉伯鼓的節奏拍手。後來，樂團的歌手向大家解釋，這首詩歌的歌名是《聖誕夜》。歌詞是要提醒聽眾，聖誕節的意義在於服事人，比如拿水給口渴的人喝或安慰哀傷的人。

這首聖誕詩歌可能出自一個聖經比喻。馬太福音記載，耶穌稱讚祂的跟隨者為祂所做的事：當耶穌餓了他們給祂吃，渴了他們給祂喝，孤獨生病時他們照顧陪伴祂（25章34-36節）。但這些人沒有立即接受耶穌的表揚，反而感到詫異，認為自己從來沒有真的為耶穌做過這些善行。然而，耶穌說：「這些事你們既做在我這弟兄中一個最小的身上，就是做在我身上了。」（40節）

在聖誕節期間，一般人都會藉著各樣的活動歡樂慶祝，享受這個節日的氣氛。然而，這首中東的傳統聖誕詩歌提醒我們，能夠藉由關懷照顧別人，以實際的行動體現聖誕的真諦。而且最奇妙的是當我們如此行的時候，不但是服事人，也是服事基督。

At a Christmas dinner held at our church to celebrate the cultures of the international guests, I joyfully clapped along to the sound of the darbuka (a type of drum) and the oud (a guitar-like instrument) as a band played the traditional Middle Eastern carol, “Laylat Al-Milad.” The band’s singer explained the title means “Nativity Night.” The lyrics remind hearers that the spirit of Christmas is found in serving others, in ways like offering a thirsty person water or comforting someone weeping.

This carol likely draws from a parable where Jesus commends His followers for deeds they’d done for Him: providing food when He was hungry, drink when He was thirsty, and companionship and care when He was sick and alone (Matthew 25:34-36). Instead of simply accepting Jesus’ commendation, the people in the parable are surprised—thinking they hadn’t actually done these things for Christ. He responded, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (v. 40).

During the holiday season, the encouragement to get in the Christmas spirit is often a nudge toward expressing a festive attitude. “Laylat Al-Milad” reminds us that we can put into practice the true Christmas spirit by caring for others. And amazingly, when we do, we not only serve others but Jesus too.