Optionally: begin with a Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 (the story of the Magi).
Also optional, you can sprinkle holy water in each room of your house while singing hymns or praying the rosary. Then gather at the front door to your home.
Using the blessed chalk, mark the lintel of your front door (or front porch step, or a wall within your home) as follows:
20 + C + M + B + 24
with the “20 “being the millennium and century, the “C” standing for the first Wise Man, Caspar, the “M” standing for Melchior, the “B” standing for Balthasar, and the “24” standing for the decade and year. It is also popularly believed that the Kings’ initials stand for “Christus mansionem benedicat” (“Christ bless this house”).
As the inscription is written, say the following:
The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and twenty-four years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.
Then say the following prayer:
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.