The Wolfe Pack gathered in Kauai this year and celebrated Three Kings’ Day while there. Stacey grew up in a family that celebrated Christmas with church services honoring the Christ Child; then they enjoyed a celebratory meal. Gift giving occurred on Three Kings’ Day, January 6, so Stacey taught us about this tradition. Stemming from the Magi’s journey and gift giving, each person places his/her shoes on the table. But let’s consider the basis of the tradition from Matthew 2:7-11.
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
From the living room, we could watch the sun rise, and with a three-month-old in the house, Stacey and Bryan had that opportunity! We all came into the living room and discovered filled shoes. Tyler got socks and two sleepers despite being shoeless.
While no one found gold, frankincense or myrrh, but grandpa and Tyler hung out together and the family memories made were priceless.
Thanks, Stacey, for sharing a great tradition. And thank you, Lord, for your inexpressible gift to us in Jesus.
Wind in the Woods 