ICEMANforChrist

This blog is based on references in the Bible to fear. God wills that we “BE NOT AFRAID”. Many theologians state that the eighth deadly sin is fear. It is fear and its natural animal reaction to fight or flight that is the root cause of our failings to create a Kingdom of God on earth. By “the power of the Holy Spirit” we can be witnesses and “communicators” of a new and redeemed humanity “even to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7 8). This blog is dedicated to Mary the Mother of God.

January

🌊 January 2026: Baptismal Waters and Winter Light

Creeks, rivers, and icebound flows manifest the rhythm of life itself. Even in midwinter’s hush, a gurgling stream signals the coming of new life. In Christ, our journey begins through the saving waters of Baptism, and so we are called to protect and honor water as sacred. Pollution still denies safe drinking water to millions—may our stewardship be a baptismal vow lived out.

🕊️ Liturgical Overview

January 1–11: Christmas Season, marked by white and gold—symbols of joy, purity, and divine light.
January 12 onward: Ordinary Time begins, clothed in green—the color of sprouting hope and resurrection promise.

📅 Feasts for January 2026

Date	Feast	Type
Jan 1	Mary, Mother of God	Solemnity
Jan 2	Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen	Memorial
Jan 3	Most Holy Name of Jesus	Optional Mem.
Jan 4	Epiphany of the Lord	Solemnity
Jan 11	Baptism of the Lord	Feast
Jan 13	Hilary of Poitiers	Memorial
Jan 17	Anthony, Abbot	Memorial
Jan 18	Second Sunday in Ordinary Time	Sunday
Jan 20	Fabian & Sebastian	Optional Mem.
Jan 21	Agnes	Memorial
Jan 22	Vincent of Saragossa	Optional Mem.
Jan 24	Francis de Sales	Memorial
Jan 25	Conversion of St. Paul	Feast
Jan 26	Timothy & Titus	Memorial
Jan 27	Angela Merici	Optional Mem.
Jan 28	Thomas Aquinas	Memorial
Jan 31	John Bosco	Memorial

❄️ Winter Reflections

January opens with the warmth of the domestic church still aglow in Christmas peace. We dedicate the New Year to Mary, the Mother of God, and rejoice with her on Epiphany as her Son is adored by the Magi. Herald John closes Christmastide at the Baptism of the Lord and opens Ordinary Time, echoing: “He must increase, and I must decrease.”

At Cana, Jesus performs his first public miracle—water into wine—at Mary’s request. May we, too, obey her timeless counsel: “Do whatever he tells you.”