Day 1 – Epiphany Day
Theme: The Magi Find Jesus – Christ Revealed to the Nations
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Opening Prayer
Gather as a family or individually. Light a candle and place a star decoration nearby if possible.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, who on this day revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations
by the guidance of a star,
grant in your mercy that we, who know you already by faith,
may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Collect from the Mass of the Epiphany)
Scripture Reading
Read slowly and prayerfully:
Matthew 2:1–12 (The Visit of the Magi)
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem… Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem… On entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Isaiah 60:1–6 (The Glory of the Lord Shines Upon Jerusalem)
“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you… Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance… Caravans of camels shall fill you… all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord.”
Reflection
Today we celebrate the great feast of Epiphany — the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi from the East.
- The star that guided them reminds us that God uses both natural and supernatural means to lead seekers to His Son.
- The Magi’s journey represents every person’s search for truth, beauty, and ultimate meaning — a journey that finds its fulfillment only in Jesus.
- Their gifts — gold for a king, frankincense for a divine priest, myrrh for the one who would die — prophetically acknowledge who Jesus truly is: King, God, and Savior.
On this day, the Church rejoices that salvation is offered not only to the people of Israel, but to all nations. Christ is the Light of the world, and His revelation begins today. Like the Magi, we are invited to fall on our knees in adoration and offer Him the very best of what we have.
Questions for Personal or Family Reflection
- What “star” has God used in my life to draw me closer to Jesus?
- Am I willing to leave my comfort zone and follow where God leads, even if the path is long or uncertain?
- What “gold, frankincense, and myrrh” — the best of my time, talent, and treasure — can I offer to Christ today?
Practical Activities for Catholics
- Blessing of the Home (Chalking the Door)
A beautiful Epiphany tradition: Using blessed chalk, write above your front door:
20 + C + M + B + 26
(The year 2026 with the initials of the Magi — Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar — and “Christus Mansionem Benedicat”: May Christ bless this house).
Pray together: “Lord, bless this home and all who enter it. May your light shine here always. Amen.” - Adoration Before the Nativity
Spend time praying before your home crèche. Place three small gifts (or symbolic items) at the feet of the Infant Jesus as the Magi did. - Sing Together
Sing “We Three Kings” or another Epiphany hymn, focusing especially on the first verse about the star and the journey. - Act of Charity
In honor of Christ revealed to all nations, perform an act of kindness toward someone from a different background or culture — a phone call, a donation to missions, or welcoming a newcomer. - Closing Prayer – Epiphany Prayer
O guiding Star of Bethlehem,
lead us to the newborn King.
O Magi from the East,
teach us to offer our best gifts.
O Infant Jesus,
revealed this day to the nations,
draw all hearts to Yourself.
May Your light shine in our homes,
in our words, and in our actions.
Mary, Star of the New Evangelization, pray for us.
St. Caspar, St. Melchior, and St. Balthasar, pray for us.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blessed Epiphany! May the light of Christ guide you throughout this radiant season.
Day 2 👉: The Gifts of the Magi.