WHAT GIFTS CAN WE GIVE TO THE KING
They saw the child with Mary, His mother. They prostrated themselves and did Him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. - Matthew 2:1-12
Happy Epiphany Sunday!
In our faith tradition, we celebrate today’s feast in remembrance of the Magi's visit to pay homage to Jesus, the newborn king. The three Magi represented Africa, Asia, and Europe, solidifying the universality of the Church. Each region of the world commemorates it in different ways, and I’m sure you personally celebrate it with your family in various ways as well.
For me, the holiday marks the end of my Christmas display at home. I have collected so many special ornaments over the years that I place on my tree. Each one has to be wrapped or placed in the box it belongs in. It takes hours to store my Christmas treasures as I reflect on the memories they trigger. So many of them are from my annual trips to Maui every December, when my husband and I traveled there to celebrate his birthday, before he died.
Now, the ornaments not only trigger memories of my husband but also the loss of our beloved Lahaina town, which was destroyed by fire in August 2023. This year, it will spark thoughts of those who lost their homes in California, and the first anniversary is just days away on January 7. I will feel so thankful to have all my ornaments to cherish for many more years, and pray for those who lost theirs.
I also take time to reflect on how I can be a Magi and present the Lord with gifts to glorify him in the year ahead. Take time to reflect on the gifts you can give Him in 2026. Happy New Year!
Sherry Hayes-Peirce