2023 Epiphany Home Chalk Blessing

A part of church history is the custom of blessing homes at the New Year. A family would hold a short service of prayer to ask God’s blessing on their dwelling and on all who live, work with and visit them.

Take chalk and mark above the entrance or on the doorstep of your front door as follows:  20 + C M B + 23

While doing the marking, someone says:

“The magi of old, known as Caspar (mark the C),
… Melchior (mark the M),
… and Balthasar (mark the B)
… followed the star of God’s Son who came to dwell among us two thousand (mark the 20)
… and twenty-two years ago (mark the 23)
May Christ bless our home (mark the + after the 20)
… and remain with us throughout this coming year (mark the + before the 23). “

Prayer of Blessing
Holy God, you revealed your beloved Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Make it a place of welcome and peace to all who enter. Fill us with the light of Christ, so that our concern for others will reflect your love. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 If you wish, you can also read a passage from Scripture (John 1:1-14 is always good) and/or end with the Lord’s Prayer.

 C M B above the door also stands for Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which is Latin for “May Christ Bless this House.