Epiphany 2024
It is custom that around Epiphany (always Jan. 6) we pray
to God to bless us and keep us in his grace throughout the new year. We gather
around the main entrances of our homes, nursing home rooms, hospital rooms,
churches, and ask God's blessing on these dwellings and on all who live or
visit there.
Below is a service you can hold by yourself or with your
friends and family! Chalk is available in the drop-off bins outside both
churches. It was given as part of the children’s Sunday School goody bags as
well! Examples of “chalking the door” are below.
The Leader's part (L) can change from person to person or remain the
same person.
L: Peace be to this house and to all who enter here.
L: A reading from Proverbs: "By wisdom a house is
built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms
are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."
L: Let us pray: Gracious God, as a shining star once
guided the magi to the birthplace of the infant Jesus, so enable those who
dwell here to be your light in the world; through Jesus Christ we pray. C: Amen.
Using chalk (hence, "Chalking the Door"), people are
invited to inscribe on the the horizontal frame above the door with the
inscription shown below. The letters C M B come from the Latin "Christus Mansionem Benedicat"
which means "May Christ bless this dwelling!" It is also ascribed by
tradition to be the names for the "three kings" -- Caspar, Melchior
& Balthazar.
Each person is afforded a turn to make one or more of the marks. The
year (2021) is bookended on either side of the blessing. In between each
marking is a little cross that signifies our salvation:
20 + C + M + B + 24
L: A reading from Isaiah: "The effect of
righteousness is peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust
forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings,
and quiet places."
People may join hands or extend their hands outward and
upward for the prayers (however you feel comfortable praying):
L: Let us pray: Sovereign God, we pray that you will bless
this home and all who live here with your gracious presence, that your love may
be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace
our benediction; through Jesus Christ we pray. C: Amen.
L: Lord, remember your children and teach us to pray (pray
the Lord's Prayer):
C: Our Father...
People make the sign of the cross in remembrance of their
baptism.
L: May the Lord watch + over our going out and our coming
in, from this time forth and forevermore.
C: Amen.
