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Matthew writes that when the magi saw the shining star stop overhead, they were filled with joy. “On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother” (Matt. 2:10-11). In the home, Christ is met in family and friends, in visitors and strangers. In the home, faith is shared, nurtured, and put into action. In the home, Christ is welcome.

Twelfth Night (January 5), Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6), or sometime before February 19 (the festival of Transfiguration) offers an occasion for a blessing for the home. During this time where many of us are staying close to home, what better time to bless these homes that have kept us safe, warm and healthy. You could enjoy a “Twelfth Night” cake or some other treat to celebrate the visit and the gifts of the Magi (see recipe below). Someone may lead the greeting and blessing, while another person may read the scripture passage.

Following an eastern European tradition, a visual blessing may be inscribed with white chalk above the main door; for example, 20 + CMB + 24. The numbers change with each new year. The three letters stand for either the ancient Latin blessing Christe mansionem benedicat, which means, “Christ bless this house,” or the legendary names of the magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar)

Greeting

May peace be to this house and all who enter here. By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3-4)

Reading

As we prepare to ask God’s blessing on this household, let us listen to the words of scripture. Read John 1 verses 1-4, 14, and 16—”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being, and the life was the light of all
people. The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.”

Inscription

This inscription may be made with chalk above the entrance: 20 + CMB + 24.

Write the appropriate character                 while speaking the text

                                                                 The magi of old, known as

             C                                                           Caspar

            M                                                          Melchior, and

            B                                                           Balthasar

                                                      Followed the star of God’s Son who came to dwell among us

          20                                                       two thousand

          24                                             and twenty four years ago.

          +                                                 Christ bless this house,

          +                                   and remain with us throughout the year.

Prayer of Blessing

O God, you revealed your Son to all people by the shining of a star. We pray that you bless this home and all who live here with your gracious presence. May your love be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction; through Christ our Lord.