January 4, 2026
The Epiphany of the Lord
That Star
…behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews?”
Matthew 2:1-2

The term magi is the plural of an old Persian word meaning priests or wise men. They were noble pilgrims “from the east.” We may wonder why these non-Jewish wise men would travel at least 1,200 miles to Jerusalem to pay homage to the newborn king of the Jews. St. Matthew says it was that star or heavenly light that attracted them to seek and find a two-year-old future king.

The Jewish people knew the Hebrew Scriptures had foretold the coming of a king, a messiah, but many assumed he was for the Jews only. However, these gentiles felt this celestial light was an invitation for them to come to offer homage and present gifts to this royal child. This was surprising; it was an epiphany, a clear sign from God that Jesus would be the Lord and Savior of all people, from everywhere. What a surprise revelation!

- Fr. James McKarns

Isaiah 60:1-6 ✚ Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13 ✚ Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 ✚ Matthew 2:1-12
Three wisemen (also known as the magi) follow the star of Bethlehem to meet the newborn King, Jesus Christ. Image by Jeffrey Edwards | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

freeter
January 4, 2026 at 01:22 PM

Amen. :)

CBR
January 4, 2026 at 11:04 AM

Amen Amen Amen God bless us all

Kjc
January 4, 2026 at 10:18 AM

Bishop Fulton Sheen's saying for January 2026 1st The basic reason for loneliness is that man today has divorced himself from both love of God and love of neighbor. 2nd Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather, it is " timing." It waits on the right time to act, for the right principles and the right way. 3rd Broken things are precious. We eat broken bread because we share the depths of our Lord and his broken life. Broken flowers give perfume. Broken incense is used in adoration, A broken ship, save Paul and many other...
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Gary
January 4, 2026 at 09:54 AM

Amen!

Cheryl
January 4, 2026 at 08:27 AM

HAPPY Epiphany LFF....May God guide you to the right path and fill you with peace for the coming year

Salina (not in control)
January 4, 2026 at 06:45 AM

If anyone really knew the Scripture, they knew the Savior/King is for all people and all nations coming from the Jews!!! *** Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless you. I will put a curse on anyone who puts a curse on you. All nations on earth will be blessed because of you.” *** Isaiah 49:6, “Here is what the Lord says to me.“It is not enough for you as my servant to bring the tribes of Jacob back to their land. It is not enough for you to bring back the people of Israel I have kept alive....
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Jimbomon52
January 4, 2026 at 08:57 AM

Thanks Salina! I always look forward to your comments. You add so much to the daily devotions!

Three wisemen (also known as the magi) follow the star of Bethlehem to meet the newborn King, Jesus Christ. Image by Jeffrey Edwards | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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