Since the Middle Ages there has been a tradition that on (or near) the feast of the Epiphany we pray for God’s blessing on our homes, marking the entrance with chalk (an incarnational image reminding us of the dust of the earth from which we were made). We mark the main door of our home with the initials of the Magi and the numerals of the new year, connected with crosses:
20 + C + M + B + 22
The initials remind us of the legendary names of the Magi – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar – and also stand for the Latin motto: Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless this house.” In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites marked their doors with blood so that the Lord would pass over their homes; but in this ritual, we mark our doors with chalk as a sign that we have invited God’s presence and blessing into our homes.
Blessing of the Chalk
Priest: Our help is the name of the Lord:
People: The maker of heaven and earth.
Priest: The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in:
People: From this time forth for evermore.
Let us pray.
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 this 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.
Blessing of the Door
Using the blessed chalk mark the frame of the front door as follows:
20 + C + M + B + 22:
Priest:
Let us pray. Christus Mansionem Benedictat, “May Christ bless these are homes” Just as the three Wise Ones, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son may we too follow that star, that beacon of LOVE in our lives each day. Bless all who walk through our doors with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest that 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. Amen.