Christus Mansionem Benedicat

No, not a new title for the blog. This post is about a good home tradition to employ. It’s the one time when you can let kids write on the walls.

This is a quick version for you:

Ingredients: Bible, colored chalk, maybe a stepladder, perhaps some holy water.

Sign of the cross
Perhaps sing a Christmas song
Proceed to a Bible reading: the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9) is usually done with a home blessing, but the Epiphany gospel (Matthew 2:1-12) telling of the visit of the Magi might be more appropriate instead. Reading from a children’s Bible may work if you have little ones.

Here’s the blessing prayer that follows the reading:

Lord God of heaven and earth,
you revealed your only begotten Son to every nation
by the guidance of a star.
Bless this house and all who inhabit it.
Fill them with the light of Christ,
that their concern for others may reflect your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Here’s the fun part: somebody gets to write the traditional Eastern blessing in chalk on the interior wall above the front door. The inscription is:

20 + C + M + B + 06

The letters have two meanings. The names of the Magi were thought to be Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. CMB also stands for “Christus mansionem benedicat,” Latin for “May Christ Bless This House.” Option: sprinkle holy water in each room if your home has never been blessed.

The Lord’s Prayer

Sing a Christmas song to conclude.