Are you as wise as the three kings?

Today is one of my favorite holidays and it’s not because the cake is delicious. Epiphany or the feast of the Three Kings is the twelfth day of Christmas. In some cultures, this is a huge holiday all by itself. In Puerto Rico, children will be leaving shoes out with hay for the camels, there are family gatherings, and much feasting. In France, there is a special cake that is eaten. There is even a game for giving out the slices.

Here in the US, in the Catholic Church, we don’t celebrate it on the actual day, we celebrate it on the Sunday closest to Jan 6th. It’s the only day I get to sing one of my favorite Christmas songs. The reason I like it so much is that I can identify with the three kings. How you say, I will explain.

1. They get lost. Let’s be honest with each other. I often get lost in the journey of life and need some guidance. When the star disappears, they stop and ask King Herod where to find the child. He’s not helpful, but the star reappears and they arrive in the right spot at the right time.
2. It takes a long time. We don’t know exactly how long they follow the star, but it seems like it takes a really long time- months or maybe even years. Can you relate? The thing you are seeking is out there and you can almost see it, but it takes you awhile?
3. They keep going. They had to have some doubts. I know they were scientists or astronomers and were following a star, but they couldn’t know exactly what they would find. Even when the star disappeared, they kept on.

Is this a just a story for us or a roadmap? I choose to look at it as a roadmap of how to really end up where I want to be, meeting Jesus someday. They also traveled together. I’m sure that was very important for safety at the time, but it’s also important for us to surround ourselves with people on the journey.

The three kings weren’t really lost. It looked like it, but they were always on the right path. So am I and so are you. Follow the star (your guiding light, the Word, Jesus). Even if you can’t see where you are going right now, be like the wise men. Keep going. You will get there at just the right time.