To Love and Listen

→ By Cameron Pien (‘23) EDITORIAL

I picture them standing completely awestruck, mouths agape, as the glorious song of the angels flowed down from heaven. In Luke 2:10, an angel says to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” After receiving this message, the shepherds rushed to find Mary and Joseph. Their mundane night was utterly revolutionized by the transcendent truth of the Messiah’s arrival. In the same way that God delivered a surprising message of joy and peace to the shepherds, I wonder if we can do the same for those around us during the holiday season. The world is full of people whose lives we can brighten through acts of love and encouragement.

Gift-giving is a prime opportunity to observe the interests of loved ones and validate their passions. I have a tradition of making handmade gifts for my family and friends. During conversations in the months prior, I tuck away details they mention so I can incorporate them into presents. Every year at the beginning of winter break, I triumphantly emerge from the aisles of the craft store, equipped with the supplies needed for my creations. At eleven years old, my brother possesses an unabashed adoration for devouring and discussing all forms of starch, so I sewed him a potato plush toy as a Christmas gift last year. I’ve also painted a Hunger Games poster for my sister and made a Pride and Prejudice ornament for my friend, who correctly believes that Lizzy and Darcy are the pinnacle of romance. Witnessing how personalized creations bring joy to others has shaped my belief that gift-giving is a powerful way to cultivate thoughtfulness and empathy. After all, gifts are one of the five love languages, and there’s power in listening to others and in making them feel seen.

Giving presents is a Christmas tradition, but we rarely pause to reflect on why we do it. We obsess over providing a perfect present, sometimes to the point that the process becomes more about proving ourselves than bringing joy to recipients. Gift-giving shouldn’t be a form of peoplepleasing, and I like to remind myself that it doesn’t matter whose gift is a person’s “favorite.” I’d also highly recommend making a gift instead of purchasing one, since handmade presents often have a much more heartfelt, personal feel. Even if the cookies are slightly misshapen or the drawing on the card doesn’t look exactly like what you intended, I promise that the recipient will be honored and gratified that you took the time to create something specifically for them.

Cover Photos

By Cameron Pien (‘23)

EAGLE EYE

Hawaii Baptist Academy 2429 Pali Highway

Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

Hawaii Baptist Academy’s Eagle Eye is a student-run and student-centered publication.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Cameron Pien (‘23)

FALL SEMESTER STAFF

Cayte Akamu (‘25)

Noah Camacho (‘23)

Dilan Chock-Makiya (‘23)

Noah Hu (‘23)

Megan Lee (‘23)

Titus Lee (‘24)

Fai Steffany (‘24)

John Yamamoto (‘23)

ADVISOR

Eunice Sim

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Another gift we can grant to others is our time. Christmas gatherings are a chance for us to foster connections with people we don’t usually encounter.