01/06/2026
Jan. 6 is Epiphany, the celebration of the Magi coming to see the child Jesus and a day of Thanksgiving for God revealing His mercy to the Gentiles. It is also historically a day for house blessings, when the pastor prays with families, asking for specific blessings from God according to each room of the home.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:1–12)
We’ll be ending this series of daily prayers with this prayer, used at an Epiphany house blessing: O God, by the leading of a star You led the Magi to the home in which Christ our Lord dwelt, thereby making known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Mercifully grant that we who know You now by faith may after this life know the fullness of Your glorious Godhead; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
