Saturday, 3 May 2025Today is the first day of December, which reminds me that the most wonderful time of the year is around the corner. Each year, I would buy myself a chocolate advent calendar. When it’s December, I would open one tiny box in the calendar and get a piece of chocolate every morning to cheer myself up. The one that I bought online this year is from a Catholic bookstore in England. This morning, I was filled with excitement as I opened the first box. It was one of the sweetest milk chocolate that I have ever had in my life! What’s more special was actually the wrapping paper of the chocolate. On the paper, some bible verses were printed. It was 1st Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 1 to 3.
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Basically, this part of Corinthians is about the importance of love in our actions and lives. It reminds us that without love, our words and actions are meaningless. As Christmas is the time to love and show kindness, I believe this scripture is a powerful reminder of the true essence of the season.
I was very excited like a little child when I got to receive a new advent calendar, and I guess most of you are also more or less the same when Christmas is coming. You would look forward to receiving your Christmas gifts, enjoying a feast with your family, and of course spending the long holiday, having fun with your friends. I do understand that these are the things that we could do to experience joy and friendship from our beloved ones, but are these the true spirit of Christmas?
If we look at the scripture, we would know that love is way more important than gifts and abilities. Even if we possess great gifts, talents, or knowledge, they are nothing without love. Love is not just about giving gifts, it’s more important to show acts of charity and be selfless.
Like how we unbox an advent calendar, I want to give all of you a small challenge to complete each day in December. Try to do 1 thing that shows genuine love, empathy and care to people around you each day until Christmas comes. You may write down what you did each day in a small notebook. Before you rock around the Christmas tree, read this small notebook with your family and pass on this challenge. Remind them that Christmas is a time to love and spread joy to the world. I am sure this would be a wonderful gift to you and your beloved ones.
Ms Wu HY
1 December 2023