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."

The word Epiphany means manifestation. What the church celebrates today is the manifestation of our Lord to the entire world. After being made known to the shepherds of Bethlehem, He is revealed to the magi who have come from the East to adore Him.

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

They interpreted a significant celestial event as the fulfillment of these prophecies, signaling the arrival of the "King of the Jews." They followed the star.

The Three Magi following the Star