Epiphany House Blessing

History

The Messiah has come, and the weary world rejoices with hope and life anew. Jesus is come into the world, and the world responds! The Son of David, the new Solomon receives a visit from the wise men of the earth who come and bow down before his majesty. Just like the powers from around the world came to inquire of Solomon, the Magi come and bow down, bearing gifts. Christ, the king of both the Jews and the Gentiles is Lord of all. His divinity is soon confirmed days later as we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord. The psalmist sings of this mystery: “What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?” (Ps 114). Even the Jordan trembles beneath his feet as the heavens are rent open and God the Father speaks, “This is my Son.” Swiftly afterward Jesus is sent out into the desert by the Spirit to undergo temptation. The devil himself cannot overcome him, and before long demons will be trembling in his presence. Our Lord has come, and all creation responds to him!

These themes of marvel and fright hold together when God enters into his creation. What’s more, he dwells in our churches and in our very bodies through baptism, where he places his Spirit within us. The feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus reminds us that Jesus submitted himself in all things to the Law, but now we who are baptized are circumcised with him, without hands, that we might be true sons of Abraham by faith! So we respond as people whose hearts have been circumcised and freed from sin.

The intersection of God’s reign on earth juxtaposed with the depravity of man’s baseness and darkness is one reason why the Church has thought to bring the Light into the homes of her members at this very time of year. Like in the infant’s home where the wise men come to visit, the incarnate Lord makes his dwelling among us. And where the light is no darkness may abide. The house blessing asks God’s blessings on our homes that no evil may dwell there. And the life that we now live out as “the circumcised,” having had the fleshly desires cut off, takes place first and foremost within our dwellings as the center of our family life together.

All of this is only intensified against the backdrop of the secular world, enveloped in darkness. We see it all around us with our modern New Year celebrations, but look in even the old liturgical books, and you will read about the various superstitions and customs centered on the coming year’s fortune, fertility, or revealing romances, all practices that range from possibly harmless to disturbing. This is yet another reason why January 1^st, the Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus, has often been a day of prayer and fasting by comparison! Additionally, this is as good a time as ever to have your pastor come and bless your home, setting it apart as a place that is holy.

The Rite of House Blessing

The blessing is the job of the pastor, who makes a visit to the home. The family and possibly friends and neighbors may all be welcome. The Lutheran Service Book Agenda contains the rite. The service moves through a greeting, psalm or the Magnificat, readings from holy scripture, hymn, and finally the blessing of each room of the house before the rite concludes with prayer and a hymn stanza.

The practice of house blessing arose from the idea of the Magi’s visit, and many will chalk the door as the entrance to the home, asking God’s blessing upon the home for the family, but also for all who go in and out of that place. The door may be marked with chalk. For example, for the year 2024:

20+C+M+B+24

signifying the year and the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat, “May Christ bless the house.” The CMB also correspond with the initials of the names traditionally given to the wise men: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. The + in between is the sign of the cross.

The use of incense during the house blessing is optional, and those attending may quietly pray or sing while the blessing of rooms is taking place at the discretion of the pastor.

While Epiphany is the time when homes are often blessed on an annual basis, there are other times when a house blessing may be appropriate. One common instance is when a family moves into a new home. Whatever time of year it is, the home may be blessed. Other examples of times for home blessings not necessarily within Epiphany include when a disaster or murder occurs in the home.

How to Prepare for a House Blessing

Simply, there is little that must be done to prepare for a blessing of your home. Nevertheless, if able, here are some ways you may prepare:

Clean the home. Cleaning the home is of course a good practice when any guest arrives, so it is appropriate before your pastor visits as well.

Prepare a light refreshment for afterward. This isn’t expected but is certainly appreciated if your pastor and any guests have time to stay and chat for a while.

Set out any important items. According to the house blessing rite, it appropriate for the Bible readings to be read from the family Bible. Your pastor will bring his own, but it can be helpful to have the family Bible ready if desired. Also, if you plan to light candles, you may have these ready.

Pre-read the blessings that will be said in each room. The rite contains specific petitions for the blessing of the living room, bedroom(s), family room, kitchen, and entryway. Consider asking your pastor beforehand for a copy of the readings and prayers to meditate on either before or after the house blessing. This is a great way to reevaluate how you are spending your time in each area of the home in a God-pleasing manner.

Continue cultivating the sanctity of your home. After the blessing, continue in a way that is in harmony with what was read and prayed in the home. Continue in your daily prayers. Consider the ways in which the home is conducive to holy living and the stumbling blocks that that exist.

None of these points are necessary, but you may find them helpful if you find yourself asking how to prepare for a house blessing if you have never had your home blessed before. If you’re interested in learning more, you may want to check out these articles:

“Rite of Home Blessing” from Gottesdienst

“A Bit on House Blessings” from the Rev. Randy Asburry