Epiphany, the feast of the day that the wise men from the east in Matthew’s story come to Bethlehem to pay the baby Jesus homage, is today. Celebrated as Three Kings Day in many countries this year the celebrations will be muted. It marks the end of the Christmas season.
Three Kings Day is celebrated in many countries. In Hispanic cultures, the day was traditionally observed by religious processions and eating the Kings Bread. Straw is left out for the camels of the kings; children get a second shot at gifts. This year, of course, celebrations will be muted because of the virus.
In German and Nordic countries, it is commemorated as the Twelfth Day of Christmas whether there is a partridge in the pear tree or not. The importance of the day is that we look to living the joy and promise of Christmas into a new year and beyond. Christmas Day may be over but the promise given that day is not.
Prayer for the Day
From all that preoccupies us and pulls us from you O God,
Embrace us so we empty ourselves into you;
From all that comforts us, O Holy One, discomfort us
And open our hearts to the cries of the world.
Move us from our failure of ourselves and of you,
So we are able to speak your truth to the world around us.
In the name of him who opens our hearts to you,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The things we share with each other are deeply felt from within our hearts that neither of us will ever forget. For the gifts that are priceless are the ones that are heartfelt; their roots are within our soul. They are the greatest gifts, of all.
Ellen J. Barrier, American songwriter and singer
The essence of gift-giving does not rely on materials things, but on something transcendent, as if it were the last and the only thing that one could willingly give, that gently makes the soul smile.
Danny Castillones Sillada, Filipino multidisciplinary artist
Happy are those who consider the poor; the Lord delivers them in the day of trouble;
The Lord protects them and keeps them alive; they are called happy in the land.
Psalm 41: 1-2