On the 12th Day of Christmas, A House Blessing
The 12th Day of Christmas, January 6th, is the Feast of the Three Magi or Epiphany. Legend and song tell us the Wise Men brought frankincense, myrrh, and gold as gifts to the Baby Jesus. In following a star to find the Baby Jesus, the three Kings became the most celebrated astrologers in Western culture. As the Magi who visit Christ’s first dwelling place they are said to lend their gifts to blessing homes. Here’s a traditional house blessing you can easily do yourself.
You’ll need a piece of chalk and a step ladder or someone who can reach the area above the door frame on the main entrance to your home.
Write the following inscription above the door…
20 + C M B + 19
And say aloud, “May Christ bless this house and all who enter here with peace and grace and wrap this home in the gift of your loving protection. Amen”
In the inscription, C M B stands for two things. The Magi are traditionally known as Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar so those letters are their initials. They may also represent the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat” which means “May Christ bless this house.”