Three wise men lead way to the Epiphany’s message
Three wise men have traveled through an Edgewater neighborhood over 12 days following Christmas.
Quentin Ryan said he and his family normally celebrate those 12 days, which in Christian belief three noble pilgrims traveled from the East following a guiding star to pay homage to infant Jesus. The three wisemen’s trip concluded on Jan. 6 — today’s celebration of the Epiphany — when they presented three gifts, of gold, frankincense and myrrh, to the baby.
Usually, Ryan and his family have a party on the 12th night but his year the party wasn’t possible due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We came up with the idea to document the travel of the Wise Men to Bethlehem and randomly placing them around the community and taking pictures,” Ryan said.
Ryan said the neighbors have been excited about it and they have been chasing them around trying to find them.
Reminding people of the real reason for Christmas is the goal of this new tradition for Ryan. The meaning behind Christmas to Ryan, “Is the celebration of the birth of Christ and being kind to strangers and providing joy where no one expected it.”
“A lot of people have been wanting to get in on it but Iwant it to be totally random and this ismy first year doing it and I am in control of it. Maybe next year we will do something different,” Ryan said.
Next year, Ryan would like to expand the tradition and whoever receives the Wise Men can pick who it goes to next year.
“Iwant it to still be random and no favoritism, it is supposed to be a surprise when you wake up and see Wise Men in your yard,” Ryan said. “It is a spiritual gift and a gift from the community.”
The goal starting the new year for Ryan is to support people in the community and try to make sure everyone is happy.