Feast of the Epiphany

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, the day when the Magi from the East visited the child Jesus. They were seeking the newborn King of the Jews. Following the star, they trusted that their journey would result in finding the child they sought. They were searching for the light that would lead them not just that day but always. Their journey brought them to a stable where they found the Christ child. They had encountered Herod and were told to let him know where the child was so he too could go and worship him. The angel tells them to go home a different way.

The word Epiphany means theophany -- a visible, tangible manifestation or revelation of God to humanity, the gift of God’s child is for everyone. Christ is not limited to any one culture, ethnicity, skin color, gender, or hemisphere. As John says in his gospel, Christ is God’s way of showing love to the world. And the Greek word in John 3:16 suggests an even greater scope: “God so loved the world that God gave his child.” Christ is God’s gift for all of creation.

This day is also known as “Three Kings Day” or Dia de los Reyes. It celebrated with cakes and festivities. I have fond memories of the creche set my mother painted for us. As a child I was always fascinated by the kings they were so regal. They had crowns painted with real gold and their camels were so fancy. It really was a tribute to their status in live. They came and showed that Christ came for all. May we always remember that the King we serve is Christ and no other. The Magi were told by an unjust ruler to tell him where they found the child but defied him and returned a different way.

As we celebrate this day let us remember a quote attributed to a 16th century doctor of the church St. Teresa of Ávila:

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.