Mid Week Epiphany Inspirational Message

Blessings,
Tomorrow is the day of Epiphany.  Perhaps you are already aware of the ancient custom of Chalking Your Door on this festival day as a way of blessing your homes and families?  
The custom is that you take a piece of chalk and mark the year, and the letters CMB.  These letters refer to both the legendary names of the Magi (Caspar, Melchoir and Balthasar) as well as the Latin phrase 'Christus mansionem benedict' (May Christ bless this house).
If there are more than one person in a household, then it is tradition for the oldest and the youngest to take turns to chalk the letters: 20*C*M*B*22 on the mantel above the door (or on the door).  As they chalk, they usually say the following: 
 "let us consecrate this door and the home it protects to Christ.  Let this door be the threshold that leads both ways to the blessings of God." 
The dweller(s) of the house then stand at the threshold with a lit candle and say a blessing such as :
"As the Magi followed the light of the star, we too follow the light of Christ to be a place of welcome, a people of generosity, and a dwelling place for God.  Let us ask God to open our hearts so that, as the door of this home is opened to neighbors and travelers, this home may be a source of welcome for all in need and place where Christ is found."
Blessings and Peace to you and your families on Epiphany, as you intentionally welcome Christ into your homes!

Rev. Gail