Episode Transcript
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A custom of Epiphany-tide is to mark
the door of our homes with blessed chalk.
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The writing includes the current year of the Lord,
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and the letters C M B,
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which recall the names of the three wise men,
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Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar,
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who came from the East to adore the Infant Saviour.
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The letters also stand for the Latin phrase
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Christus mansionem benedicat,
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May God bless this house.
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Chalking the door,
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asking for God’s blessing and protection on our homes
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also recalls when the Israelites
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placed the blood of the Passover lamb on their doorposts,
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seeking God’s protection,
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that the angel of death would pass over that house.
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And so, just as the three wise men
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followed the star of God’s Son who took flesh
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two thousand and twenty-six years ago,
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we pray that Christ will bless our homes,
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their occupants and possessions;
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and that He will remain with us
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throughout the coming year,
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and that in our households
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Christ will be adored in every heart.
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Let us pray.
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Visit, O Lord, our homes
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with the gladness of Your presence.
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Bless all who live and visit there with the gift of Your love;
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and grant that we may show Your love to each other
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and to all whose lives we touch.
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May we grow in grace
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and in the knowledge and love of You.
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Guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace,
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now and for ever.
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Amen.
