An Epiphany Home Blessing
20+C+M+B+23
The Epiphany Home Blessing is a way of marking our homes, usually at the front or main entrance, with sacred signs and symbols as we ask God’s blessing upon those who live, work, or visit throughout the coming year. In Exodus, the Israelites marked their doors with blood so that the Lord would pass over their homes; but in this service, we mark our doors with chalk to remind us that we have invited God’s presence and blessing into our homes.
In Deuteronomy 6:9 God tells the people of Israel: “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house… You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Chalking the door is a tangible way to honor God in our lives.
How It’s Done:
Mark the door or doors people use to enter and leave your home with the symbol of blessing: 20+C+M+B+23.
If chalking the door is not an option for you, perhaps you can write this on paper that you can tape to a door. Or you could use a dry erase marker to mark a window.
What Do the Numbers and Letters Mean?
The first and last numbers simply refer to the current year.
The letters C M B come from “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” which means,May Christ bless this dwelling!
You may want to say the following prayer as you chalk the door:
God of Light, bless our home. Bless all who come and go through this door, both those who live here and those who visit. May all who enter through this door come in peace and find love and light. May the love and joy in this home overflow and spread. Christ has come to dwell in this home and in these hearts. Amen!
Episcopal New Service Article: