LIVE IT TODAY: Sunday, January 4, 2026 | Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
I reveal Myself to all who seek Me with humility and courage, and I lead them by My light.
Christmas Blessings!
We are deeply grateful to share this journey with you—encountering Jesus Christ more fully and becoming instruments of His presence.
One simple way you can help is by “liking” this reflection. If someone comes to mind while reading, please share.
We are delighted to share with you The Inn Crowd — a very moving Christmas short story. Weekly Live IT radio program and podcast coming soon.
We wish you and your family abundant Christmas blessings!
LIVE IT TODAY: Sunday, January 4, 2026 | Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
A GREAT WAY TO BEGIN TODAY!
SUBSCRIBE FREE: LiveITToday.us
GOD’S DECLARATION TO YOU TODAY
I reveal Myself to all who seek Me with humility and courage, and I lead them by My light.
INVOCATION
Come, Holy Spirit! Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, open my heart to hear and receive all that You desire for me. Draw me ever more deeply into the Love and Life of the Blessed Trinity!
GOSPEL | Matthew 2:1–12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and 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.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.
EVERY DAY QUESTION
What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
GOING DEEPER
Those who truly seek the King must be willing to travel, to kneel, and to be changed.
The Epiphany reveals that Jesus is not only Israel’s Messiah, but the Savior of the world. The Magi arrive from afar—outsiders by birth, strangers to the covenant—yet they recognize what many at home do not. Their journey begins with a question, but it ends with worship.
The contrast in this Gospel is stark. Herod hears of the newborn King and is disturbed. The Magi hear and are drawn forward. Power clings to control; humility moves toward truth. The same revelation produces fear in one heart and joy in another.
The star does not remove the need for searching. It guides, but it does not coerce. The Magi must still ask, still risk, still leave familiar lands behind. Faith is never passive. God’s light invites cooperation, not convenience.
When they finally find the Child, they do not analyze or negotiate. They kneel. Worship is the only fitting response to revelation. And then comes the offering: gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, myrrh for sacrifice. Even at the beginning, the Cross is not absent.
This Gospel presses into the life of the domestic church. Parents are the first guides who help children recognize and follow the true Light. Homes become places of epiphany when Christ is not merely spoken about, but honored, obeyed, and adored.
We parents are called to lead our families by faith rather than fear, by obedience rather than control. Like the Magi, we must be willing to take another way home—changed by encounter with Christ. We pray over our children by name, trusting that the same Light that guided the Magi still guides every sincere heart today.
“The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world.” (CCC 528)
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS
In My Heart: Where is God inviting me to seek Him more intentionally?
In My Home: How can our family grow in reverence and worship of Christ?
In My World: Where am I called to witness to Christ’s light beyond what is familiar?
FAMILY LIVE IT
Make some time today to gather together and, going around, share one way each person senses God inviting them to follow His light more closely.
Then, one by one, pray over each person by name, asking for an outpouring of grace to know God’s love personally, freedom from the whispers and lies of the Enemy, strength to overcome temptation, and joy in living the Gospel concretely each day.
Daily Challenge:
Choose one intentional act of worship today—time in prayer, reverence at Mass, or a concrete offering of love—and give it to Christ as your gift.
DAILY PARENT & GRANDPARENT BLESSING
LORD JESUS CHRIST, let Your holy anointing be upon each of our children, grandchildren, and godchildren this day and week, including all to whom they are called in vocation, and all future generations! In Your Sacred Name we claim them for You! We renounce all whispers, lies, and influences of the Enemy! We pray right now that each know Your loving Presence, be forged in virtue, and be flooded with an abundance of Your Holy Spirit to live fully their identity and mission in You now and through all eternity, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother! Amen.
PARENT BLESSING PROJECT: bit.ly/ParentBlessing
GOING VERTICAL
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Just as the vertical beam upholds the horizontal beam of the Cross, so too does undistracted, dedicated daily turning to God as our lifeblood uphold and strengthen every part of life. Start with just three minutes. Wait patiently for the breakthrough beyond the noise. Let Him speak.
ENTER THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME: LifeTimeRide.com
Listen to the moving song, Ride Of A Lifetime:
Spotify | Apple | Other
TODAY’S SPONSORSHIP
Sponsored by the generosity of the Rich & Connie Cronin Family, Cronin Auto Family
26875 N Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, OH 43551 | (419) 874-4331
Would you, your business or organization like to help us spread these daily reflections? Contact us at Alive@MassImpact.us to learn more.
WE WANT TO PRAY FOR YOU!
Please share your prayer intentions in the comments at LiveITToday.us