January 6th is the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, it commemorates the day the three kings came to worship Jesus. In Latin tradition, it is very festive with carnivals and presents. They also have a special cake with a Baby Jesus baked into it. Whoever gets the piece with Baby Jesus in it gets some honor or requirement. In one family I worked with, whoever gets Baby Jesus has to make tamales for the entire extended family. Unfortunately for my 11-year-old client, he got the Baby and was dreading making the tamales. He was pretty sure he would get help.
In our Christmas tradition, I think we overlook the coming of the three kings. We lump them in with the Nativity and skip the Epiphany commemoration. Yet, the three kings have a lot to teach us. They have struggled over a long journey to worship the Child and some of us have a difficult time reaching the point of surrender to Jesus which can feel like a journey. They also brought gifts, which we honor with our tithes and offerings. Most importantly, they bowed down in worship, much as we should do.
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2: 10-11