Today, Filipinos mark the culmination of the Christmas season with the celebration of the Feast of the Three Kings, also known as the Epiphany. It is a day of symbolism, tradition, and spiritual meaning. It invites us not only to honor the journey of the Magi but also to reflect on the enduring values of kindness, generosity, and love.
The Feast of the Three Kings recalls the journey of the wise men—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—who followed the Star of Bethlehem to pay homage to the infant Jesus. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were not mere tokens of wealth but deeply symbolic offerings. Gold represented Jesus’ kingship, frankincense His divinity and His willingness to sacrifice Himself, and myrrh His mortality and the promise of eternal life. The Magi’s journey signifies humanity’s recognition of Jesus as the universal Savior, transcending boundaries of culture, race, and status.
Historically, Jan. 6 marks the 12th day of Christmas, traditionally ending the season. Known as the “Epiphany” (from the Greek word epipháneia, meaning “manifestation”), it celebrates the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah, first to the Magi and, by extension, to the world.
In many Christian traditions, the Feast of the Three Kings officially concludes the Christmas season. For Filipino Catholics, this marks the end of a months-long festive period that began in September. Also known as Pasko ng Matatanda (Feast of the Elderly), it is a time to honor senior citizens, acknowledging their wisdom and contributions to society.
While the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated on Jan. 6 in other countries, the Philippines had adjusted the feast day to Sunday to ensure that more people could attend Mass and partake in the celebrations, according to the reforms in the liturgical calendar promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969.
Around the country, the observance of the feast will include parades featuring men dressed as the Magi, gift-giving to children, and family feasts. Many families still practice the hanging of stockings for the Three Kings to fill with small gifts on their way to visit the infant Jesus.
Beyond its historical and religious context, the Feast of the Three Kings carries timeless lessons. The Magi is a reminder of the importance of seeking truth and offering our best to others. Their journey was one of faith, courage, and selflessness—qualities we are called to emulate.
While the day signifies the end of the Christmas season, it should mark the beginning of another year of commitment to the values of kindness, generosity, and love in our lives. The spirit of the Magi—welcoming strangers, giving selflessly, and honoring the sacred—can inspire us to make a difference in our communities throughout the year. There are many opportunities to make a difference – start by attending community events, volunteer to teach new skills, help a neighbor.
Let us not turn off the spirit of Christmas when we turn off the thousands of lights that have lighted the streets, churches, houses and buildings. Let us carry forward the light of Christmas to ensure that its message of hope and compassion continues to guide our journey. Just as the Magi followed the star, may we follow our own guiding lights toward acts of goodness and unity.
As one anonymous reflection puts it: “May the wisdom that guided the Magi guide you to your own light.”
Happy Feast of the Three Kings!
