"Christus mansionem benedictat"

Clare came back from church this morning bearing a note and a small piece of chalk.

Here's the text.

Instructions for Blessing the Home with Epiphany Chalk

Using the blessed chalk mark the lintel of your front door (or front porch step) as follows:

20 + C + M + B + 17 while saying:

The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God's Son who became human two thousand and fifteen years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.

Then offer the following prayer:

"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 grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen."

"Chalking the door" is a way to celebrate and literally mark the occasion of the Epiphany and God's blessing of our lives and home. With time the chalk will fade. As it does we let the meaning of the symbols written sink into the depths of our heart and be manifest in our words and actions the Latin words, Christus mansionem benedictat, "May Christ bless the house."

And thus it is done.

*Head in hands*

I will try to persuade visitors that 2017 is the year of the cosmic microwave background.