As a child, I enjoyed many happy memories of my parents celebrating 3 Kings Day.
Today is January 6 and on the year 0001, The Epiphany was first celebrated. This is a Christian feast day for the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ, according to Western Christianity.
This holiday commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, and thus Jesus' physical manifestation to the Gentiles. Matthew’s gospel in The Bible describes three scholars from the East named: #Melchior, #Caspar, and #Balthazar. When they saw the bright star in the sky, it filled them with joy and Since they had no modern transportation, nor a GPS, it was 12 days later when they arrived at to Bethlehem.
Today marks the adoration of baby Jesus by the three wise kings, who traveled by horse, camel, and elephant, to offer the baby Jesus with symbolic gifts of #gold, #incense and #myrrh.
There is a custom of blessing homes on the Feast of the Epiphany when the family gather to ask God’s blessing on their home and family life. It is an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our homes.
Using chalk mark the lintel of your front door as follows:
20 + C + M + B + 20 saying: The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and twenty years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year.
Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and for ever. Amen.
The letters have two meanings. First, they represent the initials of the Magi — Caspar, Malchior, and Balthazar — who came to visit Jesus in His first home. They also abbreviate the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless the house.”
The “+” signs represent the cross, and the “20” at the beginning and the “20” at the end mark the year.
Taken together, this inscription is performed as a request for Christ to bless those homes so marked and that He stay with those who dwell therein throughout the entire year.
Good friends and research scholars told me that in Latin America, many families enjoy Rosca De Reyes, which is a delicacy enjoyed in Mexico and other nations. Using my GPS, I found a bakery nearby and bought the freshly baked delicacy to share with friends and loved ones.
Come over for a slice, but do not wait too long because its going fast, as I enjoy it with this morning’s breakfast.
Adios!