Yesterday was the Feast of Epiphany, Feast of the Three Kings or Magi in the Roman Catholic Calendar. It was the end of the Christmas Season in the Philippines. This article is inspired after hearing the sermon of the Priest from The TV Sunday Mass, I viewed yesterday, January 4, 2026.
Epiphany: A Journey Guided by Light
Yesterday marks the Feast of Epiphany, known in the Christian tradition as the Feast of the Three Kings or the Magi. In the Philippines, it also gently closes the long and beloved Christmas season, one that begins as early as September and ends not with fireworks, but with reflection.
At its heart, Epiphany is a story about a journey.
The Magi were not kings in the political sense, but seekers, astronomers, scholars, travelers from distant lands. They followed a star not because they were told to, but because they were curious, attentive, and open to wonder. Their journey was long, uncertain, and required courage. The star did not explain everything. It simply invited them to walk forward.
This theme of seeking resonates far beyond Christianity.
In Judaism, the tradition of seeking wisdom, hokhmah runs deep, expressed through study, questioning, and ethical living. In Islam, the idea of hidayah, or divine guidance, emphasizes attentiveness to signs in the world and humility before truth. In all great traditions, there is respect for those who search sincerely, who travel inward and outward in pursuit of meaning.
The Magi brought gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These were not random offerings but symbols: honor, reverence, and an acknowledgment of human vulnerability. Across cultures and faiths, gift-giving has always been less about material value and more about recognition, I see you; I honor your worth.
In the Philippines, Epiphany carries a particular tenderness. After weeks of celebration, family gatherings, and shared meals, this day signals a turning point. Decorations come down. Ordinary life resumes. Yet something lingers: a quiet hope that the light we followed during the holidays does not disappear, but moves within us.
For readers around the world, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or otherwise the message of Epiphany is not about doctrine. It is about attention.
What stars are we following today? What truths invite us to travel beyond our comfort zones? What gifts, kindness, patience, understanding can we still offer one another in a world often darkened by fear and division?
The Magi returned home “by another way,” the story tells us. Perhaps that is the deepest wisdom of Epiphany: that sincere journeys change us. We may arrive at the same place, but we do not return the same people.
As the Christmas season ends in the Philippines, may its light continue, guiding our steps, softening our judgments, and reminding us that across nations and faiths, we are all travelers under the same sky.
May the stars we follow lead us not only forward, but toward one another.
Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic:
- Universality of Salvation: The visit of the Magi—who were non-Jewish "outsiders"—symbolizes that Christ did not come for one group alone, but as a savior for all nations and ethnicities.
- The Journey of Faith: Like the Magi who followed a star through uncertainty, reflections for 2026 emphasize the "sacred pilgrimage" of the spiritual life. This involves seeking truth even when the path is long and the destination is unexpected—finding a king in a humble manger rather than a palace.
- Response to the Light: Epiphany is often called the "Feast of Lights". Modern reflections suggest that believers are called to be "phosphors" (light-bearers), reflecting Christ’s love to others who are struggling through "dark" times.
- Internal Transformation: The Magi’s return "by another way" is frequently viewed as a metaphor for spiritual conversion. Encountering the divine should change one's direction in life, leading away from old habits and toward a new path of grace.
- Inward vs. Outward Gifts: While the Magi brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh, 2026 reflections encourage offering "inward gifts" such as mercy, advocacy for justice, and acts of service.
| Feature | Western Tradition (Catholic/Protestant) | Eastern Tradition (Orthodox) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Event | Visit of the Magi (Three Kings) | Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan |
| Focus | Manifestation to the Gentiles | Theophany (Manifestation of the Trinity) |
| Theme | Following the Star/Giving gifts | Revelation of Christ’s divinity and public mission |
- Chalking the Door: A traditional blessing where "20 + C + M + B + 26" is written above the home's entrance, representing the year and the names of the Magi (Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar), while also abbreviating the Latin Christus Mansionem Benedicat ("May Christ bless this house").
- Family Devotions: Resources like The Quest offer daily virtue-based reflections to help families conclude the season with spiritual offerings.
- King’s Cake: Many cultures share a "Galette des Rois" containing a hidden figurine; the person who finds it is "crowned" for the day, celebrating the joy of the royal manifestation.
- Meanwhile, here are the top five news of the Day
U.S. captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in major military operation — U.S. forces carried out a strike in Venezuela, capturing Maduro and flying him to the United States as he faces federal charges; China condemns the move and global tensions rise. Reuters+1
President Trump signals possibility of further military actions — Trump said the U.S. could conduct additional strikes if Venezuela does not comply, underscoring ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Axios
International uproar over U.S. statements on Greenland sovereignty — Trump’s remarks about the strategic importance of Greenland sparked pushback from Denmark, Greenlandic leaders, and European governments. The Guardian
CES 2026 tech expo underway with major product reveals — The big annual technology show in Las Vegas is bringing new innovations and hardware announcements from leading manufacturers. TechRadar
Major cultural and arts leadership news — Lina Ghotmeh has been selected to lead the expansion of Qatar’s Mathaf Museum of Modern Art, marking a significant development in the global arts world. ArtAsiaPacific
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