Christians in the Western Church, especially in Germany--where this custom may have started, have a tradition of blessing their homes on Epiphany (January 6th) by marking the home's main doorway with chalk. The family gathers to ask God's blessing for the next year on their homes, their families, and all who come and go from their home. It is a visible invitation for Christ to be our guest (as many of us pray at meal times) and bless our home.

The traditional custom is to use chalk and write above the doorway: 20+C+M+B+24

The numbers at the beginning and end mark the year--for this year 2024. The letters have dual meanings. The traditional names of the Magi are Caspar, Melchoir, and Balthazar. (Though Scripture is silent on the number and names of the Magi, these names have a long, consistent history in the Church.) These three letters also abbreviate the Latin blessing Christus mansionem benedicat or "May Christ bless this home." The plus signs "+" are little Greek crosses.

Since this tradition is not part of the liturgy of the gathered church, there are a number of variations of what prayers, readings, etc. may be used. There is certainly Christian liberty here! These instructions are modified from those written by Fr. Mike Marsh, an Episcopal priest in Uvalde, Texas.

Instructions for Blessing the Home

Using the chalk mark the lintel of your front door (or front porch step) as follows:

20 + C + M + B + 24 saying:

The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and thirteen years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.

Then say the following prayer:

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 for ever. Amen.

At times God has commanded his people to mark their doors. The Israelites marked their doors with the lamb’s blood on the night of the Passover. A similar command was given with the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart … and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 9)

“Chalking the door” is a way to celebrate and literally mark the occasion of the Epiphany and God’s blessing of our lives and home. With time the chalk will fade. As it does we let the meaning of the symbols written sink into the depths of our heart and be manifest in our words and actions.

Photo by The Table