Blessing of the Home at Epiphany

Matthew writes that when the magi saw the shining star stop overhead, they were filled with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother (2:10-11). In the home, Christ is met in family and friends, in visitors and strangers. In the home, faith is shared, nurtured, and put into action. In the home, Christ is welcome.

Twelfth Night (January 5) or another day during the season of Epiphany offers an occasion for gathering with friends and family members for a blessing of the home, using the following as a model. Someone may lead the greeting and blessing, while another person may read the scripture passage. Following an eastern European tradition, a visual blessing may be inscribed with white chalk above the main door; for example:

20 + C M B + 04

The numbers change with each new year. The three letters stand for either the ancient Latin blessing "Christe mansionem benedica," which means Christ, bless this house, or the legendary names of the magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar).

GREETING

May peace be to this house and to all who enter here. By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

See Proverbs 24:3-4.

READING

As we prepare to ask Gods blessing on this household, let us listen to the words of scripture.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a fathers only son, full of grace and truth. From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

See John 1:1-4, 14, 16.

INSCRIPTION

This inscription may be made with chalk above the entrance:

20 + C M B + 04

The magi of old, known as
C Caspar, M Melchior, and B Balthasar
followed the star of Gods Son who came to dwell among us.

20 two thousand 04 and four years ago.
+ Christ, bless this house,
+ and remain with us throughout the new year.

PRAYER

O God, you revealed your Son to all people
by the shining light of a star.
We pray that you bless this home and all who live here
with your gracious presence.
May your love be our inspiration,
your wisdom our guide,
your truth our light,
and your peace our benediction;
through Christ our Lord. Amen

Then everyone may walk from room to room, blessing the house with incense or by sprinkling with water, perhaps using a branch from the Christmas tree.

Adapted from Come, Lord Jesus: Devotions for the Home (Augsburg Fortress, 1996). Reprinted from Words for Worship , copyright 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

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The Augustanan
Newsletter
January 2004

This Issue:

Pastor's Message
Accessibility Update
Social Ministry Update
Getting to Know Us
Weekly Gifts
Blessing of the Home
Committee Schedule
Calendar

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The Augustanan Home

Augustana Lutheran Church

Augustana Lutheran Church
2100 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009-6507

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