PARISH TRANSFORMATION EPIPHANY – THE “CHALKING” OF YOUR FAMILY DOOR
Epiphany, commemorating the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child, is also known as Twelfth Night. It is on this occasion when we “chalk” our doors. Or, if you prefer, take home one of the Epiphany cards from Church and place it over your main doorway. This year’s marking is 20 + C + M + B + 22. The letters have two meanings. First, they represent the initials of the Magi — traditionally named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar — who came from the East to visit Jesus. They also abbreviate the Latin phrase, Christus mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless this house.” The “+” signs represent the cross, and the “20” at the beginning and the “22” at the end mark the year. This inscription is your prayer that Christ will bless your home, and that He will stay with all those who live in your home throughout 2022. The chalking of the doors is a centuries-old practice throughout the world. This tradition serves as a sign that your family, and your home, is dedicated to the Lord Jesus. More than just a sign placed over your doorway, this marking shows your desire for spiritual growth through daily prayer, spiritual reading, and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, offered as an oblation to God. When we see this symbol each time we pass through our doors, it is a reminder that we should welcome anyone who visits with us as if Christ Himself were coming to our home. On this day, we add the figures of the 3 wise men, the magi, to our Christmas crèche. They offered precious gifts: gold for the great King, incense for the true God, and myrrh in symbol of His burial. We take this opportunity to thank Gail Kline and those who assisted with the decorations of our Church and the Gazebo area for this Christmas season. We are grateful for the beautiful setting we had as we came to adore our Newborn Savior on Christmas Day, and as we continue to bring our gifts in honor of our Lord during this Christmas Season and the New Year.