“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”
Matthew 2: 10-12
Happy New Year 2023! As we begin a new year, we are reminded of a year that has come and gone so quickly. We are reminded of the season of Advent and the celebration of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as we celebrated the birth of Jesus!
In January, we also close the season of Christmas and enter now into the season of Epiphany. The three Magi (Wise Men) follow the Christmas star and come to greet and worship the baby Jesus. They bring him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
There is a family Epiphany tradition that you can share together with your family in your home to remind us of God’s presence and light. We can bless our home and family with saying a prayer together, and to write with chalk above the door frame: 20+C+M+B+23
The numbers are for the New Year; the letters mean (Christus + Mansionem + Benedicat)
May Christ Bless this House
Also, another meaning shares that these letters represent the names of the three Magi:
Caspar, Melchoir, Balthazar
This simple prayer and ritual will be a blessing on your family and home for the New Year.
May the Love and Light of Christ Jesus shine in your homes and family in 2023 and the years to come!
Peace and Joy in Jesus!
Jim Ranney ><>
