The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord will be celebrated on Jan. 3, 2027. The traditional day of the feast is Jan. 6, but it has been celebrated on the first Sunday of the year in the U.S. since 1970. Also known as Three Kings’ Day in many countries, it’s the commemoration of the Magi visiting Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew: “When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:10-11).
Western Christianity recognizes the wise men’s visit as Christ’s manifestation to the Gentiles, representing that Christ came for “every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Revelation 7:9). The word “epiphany” means “manifestation,” and early celebrations of Epiphany recognized all four manifestations of Christ: his birth, the visit of the Magi, his baptism and his first miracle turning the water into wine at Cana
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Your family can celebrate Epiphany with the Catholic tradition of chalking the door of your home. This represents an intention for Christ to bless the house and all who enter it in the new year.
Materials Needed:
Directions:
Dear God,
Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to rescue us. May we follow the example of the Magi, who humbly bowed themselves in worship, bringing gifts for a king. In this new year, bless our home and all who walk through this door with your love and peace. Give us soft hearts that are open to serving and giving to others.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, amen.
Now it’s time to chalk the door! You’ll write this simple inscription: 20+C+M+B+27. Here’s what it means:
20 – The first two numbers of the year.
CMB – The meaning is twofold. The first meaning is the initials of the Magi — Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. The second meaning stands for the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, which means “May Christ bless the house.”
27 – The last two numbers of the year.
+ – This symbolizes the cross.
As you look forward to the blessings the Lord will bring your family in the year ahead, consider providing a safe home for a poor family in Guatemala. We can all learn something from the faith and generosity of the wise men and follow their example, bringing our gifts to the feet of our Lord by remembering those most vulnerable. Build a house and provide families with a lifetime of blessings!
Originally published August 2025. Last updated June 2026.
Donations from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures for this project incurred through June 30, 2027, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.
