Epiphany Saturday, January 6
These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house… You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:9
What is Chalking the Door?
“Chalking the Door” on the day of Epiphany involves marking the main door of our homes with sacred symbols as we pray for God’s presence and blessing in our homes.
What Do the Numbers and Letters Mean?
The first and last numbers simply refer to the current year. The letters C M B come from the traditional names for the three kings: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. Some also suggest “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” which means, “May Christ bless this dwelling!”
Watch Pr. Lauren as she chalks the door of her home, or follow the steps below.
How To Do It
- Mark your calendar: Epiphany is on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas.
- Find some chalk: Any color will do. ShepHills has bags of blessed chalk you may take home.
- Gather your household: Everyone should be involved. For those who live alone, consider inviting a friend or neighbor.
- Pray: Use the prayer below, or write a variation of your own.
- Write the inscription: Using the chalk, and taking turns, make the following inscription above the outside of your door. 20 + C + M + B + 24
Prayer
God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless our house, and all who enter here. May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us; and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is your incarnate Word, now and forever. Amen.