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When [the magi] saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. -Matthew 2:10-11

On the Christian calendar, January 6 is an important day. After the twelve days of Christmas come to an end on January 5, the very next day is the celebration of Epiphany. It’s the day that we remember the story of the magi, who saw Jesus revealed as King by the star overhead. They didn’t find Jesus in a palace, and they didn’t find him a baby in a manger: they found him a child in a house. When they arrived, they worshipped him and gave him gifts.

Over time, this celebration developed into the tradition of blessing homes on Epiphany. Even though it’s a day late, you can still celebrate Epiphany and bless your home today.

What you need: the door of your house (leave it where it is) and a piece of chalk (sidewalk chalk, chalkboard chalk, or just use your finger if you don’t have any chalk at all)

Step 1: Make sure you can reach the door frame. You might need a step-stool.

Step 2: By yourself or with family, pray: God, you revealed your Son by a star above. Reveal him to us and lead us to follow wherever we may find him. [Then, pray for what you hope your home is during the year ahead: peaceful, energized, healthy, reconciled, growing, encouraging, other specifics…] Bless this home with your gifts, as the magi blessed Jesus and his home with their gifts, so many years ago. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Step 3: Chalk time! On the lintel (that’s the top part across the doorframe), mark like this: 

20 + C + M + B + 26 . 

CMB stands for the traditional names given to the magi. Though we don’t know their actual names or even how many they were, we call them Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. Also, in Latin, CMB stands for “Christus Mansionem Benedicat,” which means “May Christ Bless this House.” 2026 is this new year, and we pray that God blesses us all year long.