Giant Gift Box Lights Up Christmas For Minority Christian Community In Gua Musang

GUA MUSANG, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- A giant gift box, studded with hundreds of glowing LED lights, illuminates the church compound here, a quiet yet vivid sign that the local Christian community is putting the finishing touches on its festive celebrations.

Although Christians are a minority in Kelantan, the symbol of the “greatest gift” is reflected in simple yet meaningful decorations, capturing the gratitude and togetherness of a small community that marks Christmas with quiet devotion.

Gua Musang Presbyterian Church chairman, Len Ooi Kim, said the giant gift box represents Christmas as the greatest gift and the unity of over 40 Chinese, Indian, and Orang Asli worshippers in the town.

He said preparations for the celebrations were carried out collectively, involving everyone from 12-year-olds to 90-year-old elders.

“The Christmas spirit can be felt through the decorations inside and outside this church, built in 1948. The local community also shows excitement at the displays we have put up,” he told Bernama recently.

Len said the giant gift box, alongside Christmas trees and small gift boxes inside, brings the festive spirit and draws locals and visitors alike.

Meanwhile, Marvin Wong Kee Seng, 31, said this year’s Christmas decorations are brighter, with yellow and red LEDs highlighting the gift box in Bandar Lama.

“Some decorations are recycled, while others are newly purchased. All the ideas came from discussions with members,” he said, adding that despite being a minority, Christians prepare for Christmas wholeheartedly, both as a mark of gratitude and to strengthen community ties.

He said the decorations attract visitors of all backgrounds to admire them and take photos in the church compound.

“These decorations reflect love, gratitude, and joy at being able to celebrate Christmas and the New Year,” he added.

-- BERNAMA