This Friday we celebrate the twelfth night of Christmas, The Feast of Epiphany, Three Kings Day, which the church holds was the arrival of the Magi to honor Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. One of the traditions of the day is the chalking the main entrance door of one’s home. The simple tradition consists of taking chalk and writing above the door. This year the inscription is 20 + C + M + B + 23. As one writer states: “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 this house.” The “+” signs represent the cross, and the “20” at the beginning and the “23” at the end mark the year.” It is a request that Jesus Christ will bless the house and all who enter for the entire year. The chalking can be ornate or as simple as one likes. It might involve, especially if children are present, the reading of Matthew 2: 1-12 or what might be better suited for children, 2: 7-12, marking the lintel, and the saying of prayers requesting Christ to bless the house and all who will enter. It then might be followed by a special meal or snacks.
Chalk is used since not only will it not permanently stain the house, but also because it is an ordinary substance of the earth, “dust” put to holy use. It will also remind us that we as children of God were created from the dust of the earth and will one day return, but in the meantime, prayerfully we too will be put to holy use.
Here is one liturgy you can use with your family to participate in this tradition provided by The Table, an Anglican Church in Indianapolis.
Chalking the Door Liturgy
Leader: At the end of these days of Christmastide, we keep the Feast of Epiphany. We celebrate Christ being made known to the Magi, to John in the River Jordan, and to the disciples at the wedding in Cana. Today Christ is made known to us! Today this home is a holy place!
Leader: Peace be to this house and all who enter here.
People: Amen.
Leader: Let us pray: O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
People: Amen.
Leader: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you — Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary.
People: Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
As each name is spoken, write the letter above the door.
Leader: The Magi, Caspar (C), Melchior (M), and Baltasar (B)… came from the East to Bethlehem to adore the Lord.
Now add the year as written below as you read the next section:
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” two thousand (20) and twenty-three (23) years ago.
Then add the crosses as you pray the blessing
May Christ (+) 20 C + M B 23
our home (+) 20 C + M + B 23
bless (+) 20 C + M + B + 23
and remain with us throughout the year (+) 20 + C + M + B + 23
People: Amen.
Leader: 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 forever.
People: Amen.
Peace,
Bryant+
