Celebrating Día De Los Reyes

the nativity scene focused on the three wise men

Dallas, TX - As the holiday season winds down, there is a day of celebration on January 6th that the people of Mexico and many American Families participate in. It correlates to Christmas, and is known as Día De Los Reyes (Day of the Kings). The holiday honors the wise men who journeyed to find Jesus and closes the Christmas celebrations with an exchange of gifts and cakes in the shape of wreaths symbolizing a crown. Of what significance is Día De Los Reyes to us?

According to the gospel of Matthew,

1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:1-2 NIV

Día De Los Reyes, is also known as the Day of Epiphany. The word epiphany is defined as an appearance or manifestation of something, especially of a divine being. For the Magi, the epiphany was the showing of Jesus for who He truly is. The kings traveled far to bring Jesus offerings of significant value. The Magi recognized Jesus first as the King by giving Him three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw a child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 NIV

Día De Los Reyes is important because of the resemblance to the generosity the Lord showed us with the gift of His son. Additionally, the wise men’s actions are a great example for us. Although they had not seen Him, they knew that He was King of Kings and Lord of Lords. They traveled following the star for almost two years. They went to worship Jesus and bring Him the gifts that He deserves. They went to great lengths to give Jesus all of the honor and glory, and we should do the same. We are reminded of the importance of giving our Savior all of the glory and honor that He deserves in everything. Let us be reminded at the end of the holiday season to approach every day with the same act of worship the wise men had when they visited our Savior with reverence and awe, giving Him the best they had.
Written by Haley Edwards and Natalie Gallion

Haley and Natalie serve as student workers in the University Communications Division at DBU.