During the season of Christmas, we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, Jesus’ manifestation to the whole world after being revealed to the shepherds of Bethlehem. The Magi are the first Gentile witnesses of his message of universal salvation, so we celebrate the fulfillment of God’s Advent promises with this feast.
Epiphany of the Lord
Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, is traditionally celebrated on the twelfth day after Christmas, January 6. Still, in the United States, it is celebrated on Sunday between January 2 and January 8.
The Blessing of the Home
There are many traditions associated with the Epiphany. Blessing of the Home on the Feast of the Epiphany is one. Pastor sometimes provides it. When there is no blessing of houses in a parish on Epiphany, a family member may go through the various rooms of the home sprinkling holy water obtained from the Church. Please bring a small jar to Mass and fill it from the Holy Water font.
The Chalking of the Doors
The chalking of the doors is a centuries-old practice worldwide, though it appears to be someone less well-known in the United States. It is an easy tradition to adopt and a great practice whereby we dedicate our year to God from its very outset, asking His blessing on our homes and all who live, work, or visit them.
These letters are inscribed between the numbers of the year of the ceremony.
20+ C +M + B +25
The symbols are usually written on the upper horizontal piece of the door frame of the front entrance to a home, but if younger children participate, encourage them to place the symbols anywhere on the door frame they can comfortably reach.
Traditionally, we remember the names of the Magi as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar — although these names are not to be found in Scripture. The first letters of these three names — C, M, B — are inscribed on the door frame during the chalking blessing. Some suggest the C M B may also stand for “Christus Mansionem Benedicat,” meaning “May Christ bless this dwelling.”
The children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at Saint Patrick Catholic Church participate in this tradition— chalking the door to the atrium. We invite you to join in an Epiphany Blessing for your home. Click here to see the Epiphany Blessing used in the atrium at Saint Patrick Catholic Church.
Bless Your Door on Epiphany
The gospel tells us that the magi found Christ “on entering the house.” The door to your home is a holy threshold. You can bless those who come in and go out by inscribing the first two numbers of the year above the door in chalk + C + M + B + the last two numbers of the year. Tradition tells us that the letters represent the magi’s names: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. Adolph Adam points out that it may also mean “Christus mansionem benedicat” or “may Christ bless this dwelling.” Blessing your door in January is appropriate – janua means “door,” and the first month is the door to the new year.
20 + C + M + B + 25
After inscribing the doorway, say this prayer:
God in Bethlehem and Cana,
God of Jordan’s leaping waters,
In baptism, you bring us
Into your family.
You wed us and embrace us
As your Beloved.
May we fill this place
With kindness to one another,
With hospitality to guests,
And with abundant care
For every stranger.
By the gentle light of a star,
Guide home all who seek you
On paths of faith, hope, and love.
Then we will join the angels in proclaiming your praise:
Glory in heaven and peace on earth,
Now and forever. Amen.
Then, sing Christmas Carols such as “We Three Kings.”
Share your Traditions
Watch the video to learn more about this feast day, then share your traditions.
Which tradition does your family have for this special feast day? Please send us an email and tell us about it.
