By Rev. Canon David B. Tabo-oy
11They went into the house, and when they saw the child with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshiped him. They brought out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and presented them to him. Matthew 2:11
Christmas is not yet over. This is not to insist the ideal that the spirit of Christmas should be felt and practiced every day but to bring us back to the Christian tradition and belief that Christmas only ends in the 6th of January, the day we traditionally celebrate as the visit of the Wise Men (Magi) or misinterpreted as Three Kings. The accepted versions of the Bible on the Christmas story in the gospels does not mention about three kings. Christmas season ends after twelve days in the celebration of Epiphany. Also popularly known as Three Kings.
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According to Wikipedia, the online reference website, Epiphany is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates principally the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, and thus Jesus’ manifestation to the Gentile. In short it is the presentation or letting know of the Messiah to the whole world, chosen or not but for all as many times preached about Christmas: God dwelling with us. Thus, as we end Christmas this Monday, let us not lose the spirit and demand of Christmas and that is LOVE.
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Gift giving. This is the bottom line of the traditional understanding and celebration this Monday, the feast of the Epiphany – it is more connected with the Filipino tradition of the ‘Three Kings’ giving gifts. Let us also be enlightened that January 6 is also known as a little Christmas, Reyes, and yes, Feast of the Three Kings.
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Gift giving… what have you promised to give? While it is human nature to expect to receive rather than give it is about time for us to think and consider, “what can I give?” to whom or to what…. Whatever. That is the challenge before us as we remember the visit of the Wise Men and their symbolic and wise gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.
Let us pray.
Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.**
