Opinion: Christmas not over 'til arrival of three kings

Local columnist

To have an epiphany is to have an “a-ha” moment. The light suddenly lights up. But what about the real Epiphany? That would be today. Jan. 6. Happy Epiphany. Feliz Dia de Los Reyes.

Epiphany is a “hallelujah” or “glory to God in the highest” moment. It is the epiphany of all epiphanies. It is the night the star shone the brightest.

I don't know about you, but just like the opera isn't over until the fat lady sings, Christmas is not over until the arrival of the three kings. And today, Christians worldwide celebrate Three Kings Day, or in Spanish, Dia de los Reyes, also known as Epiphany, marking when the three wise men arrived to pay homage to Baby Jesus in Bethlehem, 12 days after Christmas.

Just like these three kings who journeyed far from the East in search of the Messiah, I believe that wise men still seek him. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his two-part book series, “Jesus of Nazareth,” “…We are all seeking the face of Christ.”

There is a lot we can learn from these three wise men. For starters, they followed the star. They did not reach for the star nor worship the star. It was not about the star, but about where the star led, to whom the star led them to.

The three kings also had a Plan B. They went to Bethlehem but first got lost and ended up in Jerusalem where they met King Herod. In informing Herod of this newborn King, he too said he wanted to pay him homage. But in a dream, the wise men were urged to take a different route. Herod's true plan was to eliminate baby Jesus. Sometimes we have to take a different path in life, too. This speaks volumes of whom we should trust in our search for Jesus.

Joseph and Mary also had to have a Plan B. Imagine being told you have been chosen by God to give birth to the Savior, but then when he arrives, no one has room for him. There was no grand entry for the King of Kings. Do we make room for Jesus in our lives? He was born in a rock cave outside of town.

Before the three kings arrived, the guests of honor were the shepherds in the fields. Talk about being at the right place at the right time. Never doubt, no matter your current situation, that God will call you in special ways, too, to bear witness to Christ in the world. Luke 2 tells us that “suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel (to the shepherds), praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”

Regarding Epiphany, Pope Francis said, “New persons are always being enlightened by that star; they find the way and come into his presence… the wise men represent men and women who seek God in the world's religions and philosophies; an unending quest.

Helena Rodriguez is a Portales native. Contact her at: [email protected]