There is a tradition of chalking the doors to our homes. Use chalk blessed during the Epiphany liturgy and write above our home’s entryway, 20 + C + M + B + 20. The letters C, M, B have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the three magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They also abbreviate the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless the house.” The “+” signs represent the cross, and 2020 is the year.

“Chalking the door” is a way to celebrate and physically mark the occasion of the Epiphany and God’s blessing of our lives and home. With time the chalk will fade. It is a reminder to let the meaning of the written symbols sink into the depths of our heart and be manifest in our words and actions. Please take a bag home and share this with your families.