Ruth Hmway: Christmas Carolling Reflections

Below is Ruth Hmway’s reflections on her recent carolling experience during the school break. Ruth is currently enrolled in Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies at EAST and she is from Myanmar.

This Christmas season, I had the privilege of joining my fellow students from East Asia School of Theology (EAST), Singapore, for a meaningful caroling outreach. Our team was beautifully multi-ethnic: eight of us from Myanmar, and friends from China, India, Bhutan, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Though we came from different nations, languages, and stories, we shared one heart, to proclaim the love and hope of Christ through music.

We visited four meaningful venues.

Our first caroling was at Apex Harmony Lodge, a home for elderly residents, many of whom live with dementia. As we sang songs like “Feliz Navidad,” “O Holy Night,” and a Scripture-based song on John 3:16, we watched faces soften, smiles slowly appear, and hands gently clap. Some hummed along while others simply listened peacefully. In that moment, I was reminded that ministry is not always about preaching many words or delivering deep theology. Sometimes, love is expressed through presence, warmth, music, and simple joy. I truly sensed the tender heart of Christ there “Emmanuel, God with us”, especially with the vulnerable.

Our second outreach was at Blk 118 Jalan Membina Pavilion, in an event hosted by Grace AOG Church, Singapore. This time, we sang in an open community space, surrounded by residents and families. It was a joy to see people from different walks of life listening, clapping, and enjoying the celebration together. We were also honored that Foo Che Xiang, a Singapore community and political leader, joined the event and encouraged the gathering. This reminded me that Christmas is not only a church celebration but also a blessing to the wider community. It was meaningful to witness Christians contributing positively to society and sharing hope in a public space.

Our third outreach was extra meaningful. We went to Global Harvesters Full Gospel Church, a Filipino church in Singapore that is pastored by our Filipino fellow EAST student, who is now faithfully serving there. The church welcomed us with great warmth and joy. Worshiping together felt like celebrating with extended family in Christ. Seeing a fellow student now shepherding a congregation was deeply encouraging and it reminded me that God is raising leaders from many nations to serve His people.

Our final caroling was at City Mission Church Singapore, where we sang during their Christmas celebration. Standing together on the stage as a truly international group, we felt deeply grateful. We were not just singing; we were worshipping. We were also representing the nations, living out a small glimpse of Revelation 7:9, “from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb”. Our voices, accents, and cultures blended into one offering of praise to Christ.

Through this caroling experience, we have seen that God can use simple acts for powerful ministry. A song may seem small, but God can use it to comfort, encourage, and remind people of His love. Secondly, unity in diversity glorifies God. Though we come from different countries and backgrounds, Christ unites us in one mission. Our unity itself became a testimony of the gospel. Thirdly, I was personally reminded that mission is relational. It is not only preaching or teaching; it is also serving, showing up, smiling, singing, and sharing joy.

We are deeply thankful to God, to EAST, to the churches and organizations that welcomed us, and to the teammates who served with love and humility. This caroling journey strengthened our faith, shaped our hearts for ministry, and reminded us once again of the powerful truth we sang from John 3:16 “For God so loved the world…”

May that message continue to echo in the hearts of all who heard it. Emmanuel: God is truly with us.