The Gift of Giving

In my Hispanic/Latino/a culture in the United States, the month of January is often associated with new beginnings: a new calendar year, a new academic semester, and many other experiences. The beginning of January is still part of the Holiday Season, as we celebrate the Day of Epiphany, also known as “Three Kings Day”. The tradition encourages children to gather a bowl of water and grass in a box to put in the corner of the house to feed the camels from the Magi. Overnight, while the children sleep on January 5, the Magi will come to their house and leave gifts and presents for them. When the children wake up on January 6, they will find the bowl of water and the box of grass empty next to their presents. Just as the Magi brought presents to Jesus at his birth (Matt. 2), they are believed to travel around the world delivering gifts to children. 

When I was a kid, raised in this tradition, I used to wonder what the Magi would bring to me on this special day. Today, I have learned to view this tradition through a different lens. Instead of seeing myself as the receiver of a gift, I also see myself as a giver. Afterall, the revelation of and the presence of Emmanuel “God with us” (Jesus) is what Epiphany celebrates. I invite you to place yourself in the position of the Magi and reflect: when I hear the good news of Jesus, what is my reaction? Do I want to know Him? Do I think about a gift or a present that I can bring to Him? Some of us may still be following the star, in search of the newborn King. Some may still be reflecting on what present they could offer. Others may have offered their gifts and look forward to the revelation of the next step on their journey. Regardless of where we find ourselves in the story of the Magi, consider the following words from the Prayer for Peace by Saint Francis of Assisi: “For it is in giving that we receive…”