Epiphany Blessing of the Doors

One tradition that has lasted over the centuries has been the blessing of the domestic (home churches) and the ecclesiastic doors of the church. Epiphany (also known as Twelfth Night, Theophany, or Three Kings Day) marks the occasion of a time-honored tradition of “chalking the doors.” The chalking of the door is a century-old practice throughout the world, though it appears to be somewhat less well-known in the United States. It is, however, any easy tradition to adopt, and a great practice whereby we dedicate our hearts to God from its very outset, asking God to bless our homes and on all who live, work or visit in them. The chalking of the door of a home encourages Christians to dedicate their life at home to God and to others. Seeing the symbol over our doors can help to remind us, while passing in and out of on our daily routines, that our homes and all those who dwell there belong to Christ. It also serves as a reminder of welcoming the Magi. We should strive to be as welcoming to all who come to our homes to visit as Mary and Joseph were. The blessing of the entrance doors has roots in Polish and German customs. It recalls the visit of the Magi, strangers in a foreign land, and how they were welcomed by Mary and Joseph at the stable in Bethlehem. The blessing reminds us of the welcome that we owe to all who visit us, regarding them as nothing less than Christ himself, or as Scripture has it, “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it, some have unknowingly entertained angels.” [Hebrews 13:2]

Needed: Chalk and a ladder. The oldest person marks the doors (carefully) while the oldest female reads the prayer. We will supply the chalk and a blessing.

Preparation: Tradition holds that the doors are chalked with a combination of the letters of the initials of the Magi and the numbers of the new year. For the year 2025, it would look like 20 + C + M + B + 25. Others attribute the letters to the Latin Christus mansionem benedicat (“May Christ bless this house.”)

Prayer: May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us; and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is your incarnate Word, now and forever. AMEN. (The doors are marked…)

God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten One to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Savior. AMEN.

Jim Murray
Director of Liturgy