Epiphany inspired our custom of giving gifts at Christmastime. But the observation by the Nicaraguan child shows something gone awry. The Magi did not give each other gifts of gold, frankincense and myrhh. Rather they presented their treasures to a newborn baby in an unknown family in a foreign land. To recapture the spirit of Epiphany, which is the true spirit of Christmas, we should ask what the Magi have to teach us as we enter this New Year.
Religious tolerance is a hallmark of true holiness.
Although the Magi were priests of Zoroaster in what is now Iran, God still led them to Jesus. There is no biblical evidence they returned home as converts to Judaism, much less Christianity. Xenophobia, mistrust of foreigners, is an afront to God. The Magi willingly traveled across national borders in their search for truth. Mary and Joseph welcomed these foreign visitors into their home.