The Chalking of the Doors is a festive tradition for the Epiphany season, marking the blessing of Christ on the home and all who enter. Moreover, the mysterious Epiphany formula is a sure conversation starter and an evangelical tool. It creates an opening for theological reflection on Christ and his promise of abundant life.

Often, pieces of blessed chalk will be distributed in church on either the Feast of the Epiphany or the First Sunday of Epiphany. It is appropriate to chalk the doorway anytime within the next week. Traditionally, the door is marked on the lintel (that’s the board directly over the door itself on the door frame). A prayer for blessing (or a blessing itself, if a priest is present) is typically said as this is happening. One typical that you can use at home is this (adapted from the Book of Occasional Services):

Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence; bless all who live here with the gift of your love, and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us; and preserve us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and for ever. Amen.

Saying or singing the Magnificat or the Nunc Dimittis, as well as any other related hymns, are appropriate.

Read it all.

Did you receive chalk in church this weekend? Peter Johnston is here to tell us about the Epiphany tradition of "Chalking the Door," its symbolism, and how it can not only bless us but also be an evangelistic tool to our neighbors. https://t.co/Q0f0ZZMUVH

— Anglican Compass (@AnglicanCompass) January 8, 2024

Lyrics:

All they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense;
and they shall show forth the praises of the Lord. Alleluia.
The Kings of Tharsis and of the isles shall give Him presents;
the Kings of Arabia and Sheba shall bring gifts. Alleluia.

Listen to and ponder it all–more than once.

You may find the full text there (note that the audio is TS Eliot himself reading the poem).

Check them out.

In pictures: Christians across Europe celebrate Epiphany https://t.co/gqPM5Y29gD pic.twitter.com/cnE4TB3riu

— euronews (@euronews) January 6, 2024

Holy God, thou didst choose thy faithful servant Harriet Bedell to exercise the ministry of deaconess and to be a missionary among indigenous peoples: Fill us with compassion and respect for all people, and empower us for the work of ministry throughout the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

O God, who by the shining of a star didst guide the wise men to behold thy Son, our Lord: Show us thy heavenly light, and give us grace to follow until we find him, and, finding him, rejoice. And grant that as they presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh, we now may bring him the offering of a loving heart, an adoring spirit, and an obedient will; for his honour, and for thy glory, O God most high.

—Prayers for the Christian Year (SCM, 1964)

'Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, 'Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage''
Matthew 2: 1-3 pic.twitter.com/82sjj1M9TK

— Westminster Abbey (@wabbey) January 6, 2024

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

–Psalm 1:1-3

☃️Guten Morgen ❄️☃️❄️ pic.twitter.com/WNBgB6zFtN

— 💫Stein_harmonie🍀🧚‍♀️ (@SteinHarmonie) January 8, 2024