We Three Kings, Gifts from the Magi, and Epiphany

Today is the twelfth day of the Christmas season and I guess I will have to put the decorations away at last. 

A friend, whom I have known and loved for many decades has always celebrated Three Kings Day. They lived in Puerto Rico in the early days of their marriage and I have read that this is a traditional celebration there.

She made the Emily Dickinson Black Cake for today after reading my posting on this. She used my modifications, and the family loved it. She has seven round cakes ready to be distributed today. There was joy in her writing as she emailed me of her success.  It made me happy to be part of her special day.

So it seemed to me that since this is a traditional day, it might be nice to write something traditional for a change. But I sat and drank coffee and drank some more coffee.  Then I had an Epiphany: a sudden realization about the nature or meaning of something. An epiphany can often come about due to some experience that may trigger the sudden realization.

Looking at this photo of the wise men, reaching their destination by following a star on faith, I wonder, as I always have, what thoughts ran through their minds.  No doubt this was an epiphany experience for these three men. This was the long awaited child that would bring peace to the world. If God was truly in that manger, can you just imagine the awe and respect that hit each of these three wise men as they lay their gifts at his feet.

As a caregiver, as a wife, as a mother and grandmother, and as a friend there is often very little I can do or offer.  We human beings are individuals with our own thoughts, hearts, souls and histories.  I can offer each of them these three gifts forever: Love, kindness, loyalty.

And maybe even sometimes, a Three King Cake.  I do hope I am on my friend's list to receive one of these today. If not, I will have to get out the mixer and get busy! 

Medically it has been a long week for Bill and I. Time for a time out if we can do that. My plan for the day is taking care of the caregiver, and baking is always therapeutic. We have planned a walk across the road to photograph the creek in the snow, and maybe a little time at the foot of the manger before it is stored away, bringing gifts to the baby who gives us so much.