The Three Wise Men brought gifts to the Christ Child, and in many cultures, the tradition of giving gifts on this day continues. Just as the gifts of the Magi had deeper meanings, consider a gift that speaks to your family and faith. Gold, a symbol of wealth and power, identifies the recipient as a king. Frankincense, the crystallized sap of a tree used as incense and as an offering, is symbolic of prayer. Myrrh, another resinous tree sap, was used in healing and as an embalming ointment. This gift foreshadowed Jesus’ death. Some families and cultures have a custom of giving three gifts to reflect these biblical offerings.
Did you know that it’s traditional to bless your home on Epiphany? This practice stems from the biblical reference to the three kings entering the home where the Holy Family was staying to worship the Christ Child. Start with a short service that you can find online here. Then use blessed chalk to write the letters C, M and B plus the year above your home’s main entrance or interior doors in this format: 20 + C + M + B + 25. The + represents the cross while the letters are the initials of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. They are also an abbreviation for the Latin “Christus mansionem benedicat,” which means: “May Christ bless the house.” It’s a beautiful way to usher in a New Year filled with blessings.