We are all like the Holy Family welcoming guests in our homes.

 

We are all like the Magi who bring gifts to other’s homes.

 

Our homes are meant to be places of hope, refuge, peace, and where we live out best, and most often, our love for Jesus and love for one another.

 

God’s people were instructed in Deuteronomy 6:9 to write God’s word ‘on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates,’ as another way for our homes and our families to be set apart and devoted to the Lord God. Of all instructions to give a people entering a land that will would worship other gods and be contrary to how God’s people are called to live their lives, this made the list of first things to do.

 

There is a tradition on Epiphany, January 6, from way back when Christians would CHALK their entry (door, driveway, walkway, etc.)

 

For 2023 this is what you will write on your door in chalk:  20 + C + M + B + 23

 

Here’s what the chalked numbers on the door mean:  The first number “20″ is for the first 2 numbers of the year, and the last number “23” is for the last 2 numbers of the new year.

 

Here’s what the chalked letters on the door mean:  The C, M, B stands for the Latin blessing Christius Mansionem Benedicat which means “May Christ Bless this House”. Four years of college Latin actually does come in handy!

 

So go chalk your door, driveway, walkway, or back steps.

 

May you know that all blessings come from your Great God who loves you and showed it best by sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so that we could be made right with a holy God, set apart for bringing God’s kingdom here on earth.