An Epiphany Blessing for Our Homes

In some parts of Europe on the eve of Epiphany there was the custom of blessing of homes. Doorways would be sprinkled with holy water and the head of the household would write with chalk C+M+B enclosed by the numerals of the new year. For 2024 therefore the inscription would look like this; 20+C+M+B+24 The letters themselves have a double meaning. They stand for the traditional names of the magi, or three wise men, who visited the Christ Child – Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar but they also function as the initials of a blessing for the home ’Christus Mansionem Benedict’ (May Christ bless this house) Sprinkling of House with blessed water Prayer: Lord God, you guided the Magi to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. May your blessing come upon us and may it rest upon our home. May your light guide us, your strength uphold us, and your love protect us, So that we too may grow in wonder at the glory of God. We ask this through Christ Our Lord Amen