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1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: 6 “ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ ” 7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” 9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 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. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:1-12 NIV)
Dear Friend, ¡Feliz Dia de los Reyes Magos! More on that later! I trust this finds you well and completely out of holiday mode! You know what I'm talking about! Most schools resume today and the loud thankfull sigh you heard earlier this morning was from the parents sending their kids back to school. The screams were from the school tachers and all school personnel! Make it a day of sharing and giving for that's what it is for many around the world. More on that later!
It's now later: The interesting thing about having lived in the Rio Grande Valley for many years saw the malls and shopping centers around this time of year crowded as it if twas the Eve before Christmas Eve! Stores were crowded with our brothers and sisters from Mexico looking for the perfect Dia de Los Reyes Magos gift. If you're reading this online, you're seeing a sample of shoes loaded with gifts left there during the night by the Magi. It's part of a global tradition among the Latin American nations that celebrate the first gifts given the Christ child by the wise men from the East. This is part of what we call Epiphany, a revealing that this birth of this child was for ALL the world, not just the geographical area around Bethlehem.
The Epiphany marks the moment when the light of Christ’s birth is revealed not just to the people of Israel but to the whole world. In the story of the Magi, we see the fulfillment of a promise: God’s salvation is not limited by borders, by race, or by nationality. The Magi, wise men from distant lands, were among the first to recognize the divine nature of the child born in Bethlehem, and they came to worship Him. Their journey was a long one, guided by a star, but more importantly, it was a journey of revelation, where the truth about Jesus—the King of the Jews, the Savior of all nations—was made manifest to them.
For many Latin American countries, the tradition of Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings or Wise Men) is a beloved part of Epiphany celebrations. On January 6th, children often receive gifts in honor of the Magi’s offerings of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus. The day symbolizes both the joy of the Magi’s discovery and the revelation that Christ is a gift to the world—a gift that is not bound by any particular people or nation, but one that is available to all.
The journey of the Magi was one of both humility and awe. Despite their wisdom and status, they bowed before a child in a humble home, recognizing the true King of kings. Their gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—were symbols of honor, reverence, and the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ mission. They did not come to take, but to give. They understood that true kingship was not about power, but about servanthood and sacrifice.
As we reflect on this moment of revelation, we are invited to ask ourselves: How have we responded to the revelation of Christ in our lives? Like the Magi, are we willing to travel any distance, to sacrifice any comfort, to seek out and worship the King who came to save us? And like them, are we willing to offer our best gifts in worship?
The light that led the Magi to Jesus is the same light that calls us today. It beckons us to follow, to seek, and to give.
PRAYER: Loving Lord Jesus, we thank You for the gift of revelation—For the light that leads us to You, and for the invitation to follow, no matter the distance. Like the Magi, may we offer You our very best—our hearts, our gifts, and our lives in worship. We confess that sometimes we are distracted by the worries of the world or the pull of self-interest, but we pray that You would open our eyes to see You as the King of kings and the Savior of all nations. Guide us, Lord, by Your light, and help us to reflect Your love and grace to those around us. May this Epiphany be a moment of renewal, where we recommit ourselves to seeking You with all our hearts. In Your holy name, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: This Epiphany, consider what gifts you can offer to Christ. Are there areas of your life where you need to surrender your own desires in order to worship Him more fully? Perhaps it’s a gift of time, service, or forgiveness. Reflect on the journey of the Magi and respond to God’s revelation by offering your best in devotion and love.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
