Follow Your Star

Celebrating Epiphany this new year of 2026, it brings to mind one question: Who were these three mysterious men that we place into our mangers every Christmas season?

For starters, here's what we know:

Caspar-Was a younger man from India or Persia, bringing the gift of myrrh (representing humanity)

Melchior-Was an elderly king from Asia, bringing the gift of gold (representing royalty)

Balthazar-Was a middle-aged king of African descent, bringing frankincense (representing divinity)

During this time of the new year many people bless their homes by marking the following on the frame of their front door with chalk that has been blessed:

20 + C + M + B + 26

The following is prayed:

"The three wise men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar followed the star of God's Son who became human 2,015 years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen."

These three men traveled from the east-Persia, Assyria and Babylon, likely traveling over 1,000 miles over the course of several months. They realized the star meant a king was born because they were educated astrologers familiar with ancient prophecies. These prophecies foretold a special star heralding a new ruler for Israel.

They followed the star.

The Three Magi following the Star

God inspired the Magi to follow the star to find Him. We can pray for inspriation for us to seek Him as well. The journey of the Magi reflects how treacherous our Christian lives on earth can be. Evil against us - Satan lays traps and sows confusion. May we, like the Magi, recognize the Will of God as our very own Guiding Star.

Dear Lord, Bless our homes and families this season and make them places where we can encounter You through prayer and community. Amen

Low Carb Star "Sugar" Cookies

Low-Carb "Sugar" Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cups almond flour

1/4 cup coconut flour

2/3 cup powdered sweetener, such as monkfruit or Swerve

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter , cut into 1/2-inch pieces - softened

2 tablespoons cream cheese softened

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment turned to low speed, mix the almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, and salt together until combined

Turn the mixer to medium, then add the butter, 1 cube at a time, and mix until the dough looks crumbly and slightly wet about 2 minutes

Add the cream cheese, vanilla and almond extract and beat for another 30-60 seconds until the dough just begins to form large clumps, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed

Gather dough with hands and knead just until it sticks together (add 1 tablespoon of almond flour at a time as needed if dough seems too wet). Shape into a disc and wrap in plastic. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 35 minutes

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. When ready to roll, remove and unwrap dough disc from the fridge

Place a large piece of parchment paper on a flat surface. Place dough in the center. Place another large parchment paper on top of the dough and using your rolling pin, roll into 1/4 inch thickness (1/8 inch for thinner cookies). Place the cookie dough sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes

Remove the cookie dough sheet from the freezer and remove the top parchment paper. Cut into shapes with cutters of your choice. Place cut cookies on lined baking sheets, about 1 inch apart then place in the freezer again for 10 minutes (to prevent spreading). Repeat with any scraps

Bake cookies, one sheet at a time, on the middle rack for 13-17 minutes, rotating the pan halfway, or until edges are light golden brown (do not overbake)

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 15 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack until cool. (cookies will continue to bake & harden)

Sprinkle with Swerve Confectioner's Sugar

Makes 32 cookies, 1 gram net carb per cookie