A Simple Epiphany Service for Blessing Chalk
at home or during a larger service
Our help is the name of God
The maker of heaven and earth.
Our God shall watch over your going out and your coming in
From this time forth for evermore.
From the east came the Magi to Bethlehem to adore the Lord; and opening their treasures they offered precious gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Loving God, bless this chalk which comes from the earth and is formed from creatures who lived in ancient seas. Let it be a sign and reminder of blessing to your people. May we who call upon your most Holy Name to write upon the doors of our homes the names of your saints, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who dwell in or visit their home, in the name of Jesus. Amen
Chalk your doorframe or door with the formula 20+C+M+B+24. The CMB hold two meanings, the first being the initials of the traditional names for Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. Secondly, it is the abbreviation for the Latin phrase, Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which translates to: May Christ bless this house. The + represent the cross, and the 20 at the beginning and 24 at the end tell us the year.