Rector’s Reflection: Chalking of the Doors

 

I love how we have taken on as a parish the chalking of the doors - this traditional home Epiphany blessing. 

 

It is a beautiful way to start the year, bringing prayer to our homes in a quiet yet public way. 

 

This Epiphany, as we remember the story of the Magi who brought gifts to the Holy Family, let us pray for safety and peace for all who live in our homes. Let us pray that we might show hospitality to all who come to our doors, for we do not know when we may be welcoming Christ himself, and even unexpected visitors can sometimes be bringing gifts. Let us pray that we may pay homage to Jesus our King through our love, our mercy, our generosity and our service to others. 

 

This Epiphany, may the mystic poetry of Christina Rosetti inspire and be true for us all year long, “What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb, if I were a wise man, I would do my part, yet what I can I give him, give my heart.”

 

Amen. 

 

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A HOME LITURGY FOR CHALKING THE DOORS:

 

One: Peace be to this house and to all who enter here.
All: Amen.

One or more of the following prayers may be said by the same or different people:

  1. 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.
  2. God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten One to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Saviour. Amen.
  3. Loving God, bless this household. May we be blessed with health, goodness of heart, gentleness, and abiding in your will. We ask this through Christ our Saviour. Amen.

As someone writes above the door in chalk,

20 + C + M + B + 26

They or another person says:

The three Wise Men, [C] Caspar, [M] Melchior, [B] and Balthasar followed the star to Bethlehem and the child Jesus [20] two thousand, [26] and twenty-six years ago. [+ +] May Christ bless our home [+ +], and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.

 All say the Lord’s Prayer