An Epiphany reflection

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In my experience both as a believer as well as an ordained pastor, although not impossible, I have found it difficult to grasp the full significance of the celebration of the Epiphany, which Christians observe on Monday, Jan. 6.

Due to time constrictions in putting together the Nativity scene either on Christmas Eve or on the Sunday before, everything is brought to the stage at the same time: the chaos in Bethlehem, the birth, and the magi, who were wise men, kings or astrologers from Orient. The lack of emphasis on the liturgical follow-up of the Christmastide or Twelve-tide also contributes to overlooking the Epiphany celebration with the visitation scene: What for? We already had it and saw it on Christmas Eve. 

Another minus for the meaning of the magi’s visitation is the competition with Santa Claus about the Christmas presents. And here is where my native Latin American and specifically Mexican traditions bring a pleasant memory of it. Roman Catholic traditions were brought by Spain to American continent colonies starting in the 16th century.

Although Matthew does not specify how many kings (and their names) adored baby Jesus, the Latin tradition deduced their number by the three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, as well as their names Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar.  Syriac churches say they were 12. Much later came the idea of different ethnic backgrounds and rides, a combination of horses, camels and elephants.

The tradition about the children’s expectation for Christmas presents is observed until Epiphany Eve on Jan. 5. The Santa Claus-inspired stockings on the fireplace are the kids’ shoes, where the kings will leave their gifts, according to the little notes inside the shoes. Depending on the country and its particular regions, grass and water may be placed next to the shoes to feed the kings’ rides.

The highlight treat, among other traditional dishes, candies, and beverages, is the Rosca de Reyes (Gâteau des Rois in France, Dreikönigskuchen in Switzerland, Bolo-rei in Portugal, the Twelve Cake in England, King Cake Baby in Louisiana, or Roscón de Reyes in Spain). At least in Mexico, one or more dolls hidden in the dough represent baby Jesus fleeing from the killing of the innocents. And whoever gets a doll in her/his slice must bring tamales and co-host the Candlemas Day Celebration of Feb. 2. Customs may vary by country and region of origin.

The immigration influx from Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries to the United States over the last 50 years has made it possible to find roscas not only at ethnic stores but also at national or regional grocery chains or franchises. In a way, immigrants can be credited in bringing an increased attention to the importance Epiphany deserves. Due to Roman Catholic influence, believers were given first and last names related to theological or doctrinal themes, such as Rosario, Concepción, Encarnación, Eleuterio/a, Catarino/a, Elpidio/a, Sotero/a. And guess what? Also, Epifanio and Epifania.

As I mentioned, time economy in bringing the evangelists’ accounts from Annunciation to Jesus’ safe return to Nazareth via a Christmas Eve program, besides the fact that with the exception of when Jan. 6 is on a Sunday, Epiphany is remembered (although not celebrated with pageantry or gifts) on the previous Sunday, which in 2025 is on Jan. 5. We loved to sing “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” mostly during Advent but not during the liturgical Christmastide season, the 12 days between Christmas Day and Epiphany. Why? Because most efforts are placed to organize and to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, leaving Epiphany, as the manifestation to the Gentiles, disconnected from the Nativity and Incarnation meanings of Baby Jesus’ dual natures.

So, I am making here a call to the creativity and imagination of local congregations and their leaders to make an extra effort in bringing Epiphany up to code regarding its theological and doctrinal importance. Although it is another theme, I say the same about another almost forgotten celebration, the Ascension of the Lord, which always falls on a Thursday.

My Latin American and Mexican cultural background has kept me connected with El Día de los Santos Reyes every Jan. 6, at least due to food and gifts. But I confess that even during my decades as a member of my home Mexico, no specific connection with the theological meaning of Epiphany was made in Sunday school. I learned it in my seminary education. 

I wish you all a blessed and meaningful celebration of Epiphany 2025 in your respective congregations and validated ministries. 

¡Feliz Dia de Reyes 2025!

The Rev. Dr. Jesús Juan (Jesse) González, who’s honorably retired, earned MDiv and DMin degrees from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He is a volunteer pastoral leader of Ministerio a la Vecindad, a Hispanic/Latino outreach ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Springdale, Arkansas.