Today is Epiphany…January 6th….the day the wisemen came to visit the Christ child in Bethlehem. It is also the 12th day of the Christmas season, bringing it to an end. The three wisemen were Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They brought with them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. All over the world, this feast day is celebrated. Some do cold water plunges, diving into waters blessed by Orthodox priests to retrieve a cross. In Italy, an old woman will bring gifts to children the night before Epiphany. In Spain, the celebration of Three Kings’ Day (dia de los reyes) brings gifts into the shoes of children.
In the United States, it is not overly celebrated. However, in the past 10 years or so, I have celebrated the “Chalking of the Doors” in my home. I had honestly never heard of it before then. The priest will bless pieces of chalk for you to take home. Above your door on your lintel, you write in chalk, 20 + C + M + B + 26. So the bookends – the numbers- are the year. C, M, B has two meanings: the names of the wisemen (Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar) or the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ Bless this house.” The + sign between the numbers and initials represent the cross. As Christians we want to welcome people into our home as Christ was welcomed into the world. I have white siding so you can’t really see the writing, so I looked up another photo online to share with you.
The blessing said after chalking the doors is: The three wise men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and twenty-six years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.
The prayer then offered is: 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 grown in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen.
Messina Musings 
As a Lutheran, I celebrate the Epiphany but did not know about the chalk blessing. That is a beautiful tradition! May many blessings be bestowed upon you and yours in this new year.
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