Did you know? Chalking
the door?
Mark your calendar: Epiphany is on January 6th, twelve days
after Christmas. In
Find some chalk: Any color will
do!
Gather your household: Everyone should be involved. For
those who live alone, consider inviting a friend or neighbor. Or gather at your
church to chalk the church entrance.
Pray: Use the prayers
and liturgy below. Go to:
Chalking the Door: An Epiphany
Tradition (buildfaith.org)
Write the inscription: Using the chalk, and taking
turns, make the following inscription above the outside of your door.
20 + C + M + B + 22
The Blessing of a Home at Epiphany
R. From this time forth for ever more.
Let us pray. O God of and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the nations and the Glory of your people, bless (N &N) who dwell in this house. May it be for them a place of peace and health, that they may rejoice in the gifts and graces you have bestowed upon them and dedicate their talents for the good of those for whom your Christ came and gave his life, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen
People may mark the doorway with symbols in chalk blessed with this prayer:
Loving God, bless this chalk which you have created, that it may be helpful to your people; and grant that through the invocation of your most Holy Name that we who use it in faith to write upon the door of our home the names of your holy ones Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who dwell in or visit our home; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Traditionally, the chalking is done above the lintel and takes this form: 20+C+M+B+22 - The letters are the abbreviation for the Latin phrase "Christus mansionem benedicat" - "Christ bless this house" (A second meaning and mnemonic device is Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar traditional names for the Magi). The + signs represent the cross, and 20-18 is the year
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