The Feast of Epiphany is celebrated on the 12th Day of Christmas, January 6th, but in the United States it is moved to the Sunday between January 2nd-8th. On Epiphany, it is traditional for families to bless their homes, asking for protection and blessing on the home and all who enter. The home blessing is done by writing on the door or door frame with chalk the symbols 20+C+M+B+22. The 20 and 22 represent the current year. The + reminds us of the cross on which our Savior died. The C, M, and B stand for the traditional names of the Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, as well as an abbreviation for the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat” which means “Christ bless this house.” Writing on the door also brings to mind the Passover of the Jews during the final plague in Exodus, when the blood of the lamb protected the inhabitants within.
Pray Together: Make the Sign of the Cross. • Read an Epiphany Scripture passage from today’s readings. • Pray: “Lord God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.” (from usccb.org) • Chalk the door, door frame, or plaque with 20+C+M+B+22 (or current year) • Pray the Our Father. • Make the Sign of the Cross.