The Epiphany Blessing


by Thomas Kleinert

Christus Mansionem Benedicat = May Christ bless this house.

I was born and grew up in Germany. There, every year around Epiphany, children go from house to house dressed up as Three Kings to sing and collect a special offering for children's ministries.

Before they go on to the next house, they write the blessing on the door where it remains for the remainder of the year. As I grew up, I learned two explanations for the letters C M B.

I can't remember if it was from my family or local teachers, maybe a priest or pastor. But I learned that they meant "Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar" or "Christus Mansionem Benedicat." I find this latter explanation more meaningful than the one suggested by Blessing Doorways.

Return to Articles Page.