January 1

Happy Christmas PRiSM!

Epiphany is the time in the church calendar to celebrate the wise men worshipping Jesus. Two ways people across the world celebrate Epiphany is through “Chalking the Door” and making a Kings Cake.

Chalking the Door - An old Christian tradition celebrates Epiphany with a practice and house blessing known as Chalking the Doors. People write 20 + C + M + B + 26 on their front door. The chalk, as it slowly wears throughout the year, serves as a reminder that Christ dwells with us wherever we are, and that our home is a missionary outpost of His kingdom. C.M.B. can represent the names of the 3 Wise Men, but it also represents the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat… May Christ Bless This House.

Throughout the year you may be asked by those who come to your door, “What does this mean?” or “Why do you do this?” One way you might explain it is that the chalk reminds you and all who pass by it that what happens here matters. Asking Christ to bless this house reminds you that your home is a place where you both receive and give blessing. Where you receive God’s goodness and share it with others. Where we are sent out to receive and release the gospel that heals — together.

King’s Cake - Another Christian tradition is to make a King’s Cake. Make a simple sheet cake or use the recipe provided and place a plastic baby or almond in the cake as it bakes. Whoever finds the “baby” in their piece of cake is the King or Queen for that day.

I hope you have fun participating in one of these old traditions.

Held by Him,

Christy