The Chalking of the Doors

By Mtr. Bree on January 4, 2024 in Blessings, From Our Pastors

House Blessing for Epiphany (The Chalking of the Door) 

 

Since the 6th century, it has been traditional in the Western Church to perform a house blessing on the Feast of the Epiphany, which occurs on January 6. Here is a simple blessing that can be conducted by households of one or more. 

Beginning outside, approach your front door. You may carry lights/candles and sing the first verse of We Three Kings of Orient Are.  

Officiant:     Peace be to this house.  

People:      And to all who dwell herein. From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasures they offered precious gifts: gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial.  

Officiant:    Let us pray. Oh 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. Amen. 

A reader will read from the gospel of Matthew (1:1-12)

After the Gospel reading, a member of the household will take chalk and mark the blessing on the outside of the door.

20 + C + M + B + 24 

 

This prayer is spoken as the chalk marks[1] are made on the door:  

The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, followed the star to where Jesus was born two thousand and twenty-two years ago. They did him homage and offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. 

Bless, O Lord God Almighty, this home, that in it there may be health, purity, the strength of victory, humility, goodness, and mercy, the fulfillment of Thy law, and thanksgiving to God the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. And may this blessing remain upon this home and upon all who dwell herein, through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

At this time, sing the remaining verses of We Three Kings. 

Dismiss.  

 

[1] The 20 and 22 represent the year of our Lord, 2022. The C, M, and B stand for the traditional first initial of the three kings, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. It also stands for Christius Mansionem Benedicat, which means “May Christ bless this house.”