Chalking the Door at Epiphany

The blessing of homes with prayer and chalk at the feast of the Epiphany (January 6) is a centuries-old tradition in the church. It is an appropriate time to ask God’s blessing for the year ahead, and in memory of the wise men who “entered the house, and saw the Child with Mary, his mother” (Matt. 2:11). It is a way of asking Jesus to be our daily guest, and to bless all our comings and goings.

The marking of homes has roots in the Old Testament, both at Passover and in the following passage from Deut. 6:4-9: “Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away … write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

Chalk is used to make the following mark over your front door (or a porch step or other convenient location):

20 + C + M + B + 21

Between the numbers of the current “year of our Lord” are a series of crosses—the sign of our salvation—and the letters C, M, and B. The letters have a double meaning. They are reminders of the traditional names of the three wise men: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. And they stand for the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat—“Christ bless this house.”  

The blessing may be simple or elaborate. Use the short liturgy below, or create your own! Other prayers and customs may be found at fullhomelydivinity.org and other sites online.

A Little Liturgy for the Blessing of a Home at Epiphany

All gather at the entrance of the home. The head of the house, or any member of the family, may serve as the leader.

Leader:   Peace be to this house, and to all who enter here.

All:        Amen.

Leader:   The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in;

All:        From this time forth for evermore. Amen.

 

A psalm or passage of Scripture may be read. Suggestions include: Psalm 121 or 128, Matt. 2:9-12, Luke 1:39-56

 Then, using chalk, a member of the household writes the following over the door, or some other convenient, visible location: 

20 + C + M + B + 21

 

Leader:   The Lord be with you.

All:         And also with you.

Leader:   Let us pray.

            Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. We pray you 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 liturgy may conclude here, with the exchanging of the Peace, or with the Lord’s Prayer, or both.