Sunday, January 6, 2013

Blessing for a New Year

There has been the tradition of blessing the doors of homes on the Epiphany. This inscription is made above the door, so that all who enter and depart this year may enjoy the blessings of Christ. We ask Christ to visit our home and to bless all who dwell there.

You can take a piece of chalk and write this above your front door: 20+C+M+B+13.

There are two meanings behind the C, M, and B. They are the traditional names of the Three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. And they also abbreviate the Latin words "Christus mansionem benedicat " which means "Christ bless this house ". 

The crosses in between represent the protection of the Precious Blood of Christ and the holiness of the Three Kings because they came to adore the infant God.

You can use this blessing:
Lord God of heaven and earth, You revealed Your only begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless our house and all who inhabit it. May we be blessed with health, goodness of heart, gentleness, and the keeping of Your law. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our love for each other may go out to all the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

I pray that Christ's presence and peace will dwell in your home this new year.

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