After Jesus was born, three wise men came to Bethlehem to worship the king whose star they had seen. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The gold symbolizes his kingship, the frankincense (an incense) symbolizes his divinity and his role as a priest, and the myrrh (a spice for oil used to anoint prophets and the dead) symbolizes his humanity. 

The Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated either on January 6 (twelve days after Christmas) or, as is customary in the United States, on the first Sunday after January 1.  In countries around the world, families bless their homes on the feast of the Epiphany by writing on the lintels (beams right above the door) of the their doors with blessed chalk the markings: 

20 + C + M + B + 25

The 20 & 25 represent the current year. The + represents the cross of crucifixion. The C, M, B represent the three kings: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, as well as the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat,” which means “May Christ bless the house.” 

Sometimes referred to as the “Chalking of the Door,” this blessing recalls the sprinkling of the Jewish doors with the blood of the lamb at the first Passover during the flight from Egypt. Just as they marked their homes and families for God, so we are too marking our homes and ourselves for Christ.  

The blessing asks for protection and blessing of all who enter our homes. And reminds us that just as the Holy Family was hospitable to the visiting kings, we are called to be hospitable to those who enter through our door.  

Ways to celebrate:

• Make a King cake

• Bless Your Home for the coming year

  • Blessing Text

• Give three gifts today in honor of three gifts given by the Kings to Jesus

  • Gold: (king) a gift the person most desires

  • Frankincense: (God) a religious gift

  • Myrrh: (Sacrificial Death): a gift for the body