THE THREE KINGS

Clowns entertained the children at the festival.

Epiphany, also known as Three Kings' Day, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God sending His Son Jesus Christ to the world. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, and thus Jesus' physical manifestation. The feast is celebrated in many ways in Mexico, including religious services, family gatherings and festivals for children. One of our favorites is the serving of a cake filled with dried fruit and baked in the shape of a ring or wreath. Inside the cake there is a small plastic baby representing the Christ child. When the cake is cut and served, the one who receives the baby on his plate is responsible for supplying the cake the following year.

Three Kings’ Day is celebrated January 6 in Mexico and that was the day we had a festival for children at the Church of God in Nuevo Progreso.

Pastor Zabdi was a terrific clown, full of energy and excitement. He had everyone laughing, even the adults as he led the children in songs and games. There were about 30 children present, although it was difficult to count the squirming crowd. All eyes were on him when he tried and tried to get to heaven. First he put on wings and jumped off a chair, but he didn’t get to heaven. Instead he fell to the floor. Then he tried throwing a rope into heaven to climb up, but again he just fell to the floor. He tried riding a rocket into heaven and wound up running around the auditorium when it supposedly blasted off. He cried and was very sad. Then someone sat down beside him and told him he could get to heaven by accepting Jesus into his heart. The clown was extremely happy. Then he invited all the children who wanted to go to heaven to come forward for prayer. Approximately 25 children came forward and bowed their heads in prayer! This is their first step to salvation. Now they will need Sunday School, good leadership and discipling as they go on their way.

Afternoon sun touched their heads as they listened to the message.

There were plenty of hot dogs with mustard, catsup and their favorite - mayonnaise. It was almost quiet while hot dogs were passed around and cups of kool aid served. There were plenty of helpers and all we had to do was sit back and watch the action.

Everyone loves a hot dog!

Finally gift bags were distributed, bags labeled for boys and bags for girls. Candy, small toys, coloring books and other trinkets kept them all happy for awhile. And then it was time to end the party. It was late afternoon, so the sun was still bright. Children drifted away in all directions, carrying their white gift bags and chattering happily with each other. It had been a great festival, full of fun and full of good spiritual teaching among the clowning and laughter.

A little angel receiving his gift.

For many years we have kept this annual festival for children, sometimes just before Christmas and other times later in the holiday season. It’s a great way to be both entertaining and repeat the stories in the Bible at the same time.  We’re positive that some time in the future we will reap the harvest from these festivals.

Another little angel.

“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”    Matthew 2:2