Blessing of a Home at Epiphany

Blessing of a Home at Epiphany

The Christmas Season, especially the Epiphany, is a traditional times to bless homes. In years gone by, the priest or deacons would try to visit the homes of all parishioners during the season; although this tradition is no longer common, many families continue to mark the lintels of the door and hold a simple prayer service asking that the Lord will bless the home and all those who live in it.

Leader: On this day we remember the Magi who, guided by the star shining in the heavens, came to the house where Jesus rested in the arms of Mary his mother. They were blessed as they brought their gifts to that holy place. Today we ask Christ our Lord to bless our home and make it his dwelling.

Intercessions by household members for various needs may be made. Then all say the following prayer:

O God, by your heavenly star, you guided those who

were wise to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. May

your blessing come to rest on our home and all of

us. Make our lives wise with your wisdom, true to

your teaching, and enlivened by your love. May

your Word made flesh make his home among us.

Amen.

Then bless the house with the sign of the cross. After the blessing, the initials of the Magi (traditional names: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar) are written with chalk over the main door way of the house, like this: 20 + C + M + B + 26 (the + is a cross; the ""20" and the "22 stand for 2026).