Pastor Elizabeth Rheinfrank
“Keep these words that I am commanding you today in
your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about
them when you are at home ... and write them on the
doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:6-9
NRSV).
Dear Friends in Christ,
Happy New Year! Our secular calendar has different rhythms of life from our church calendar,
which begins in late November or early December. The season of Christmas, a time of joy
and celebration, ends on a Sunday this year (January 5th). We will enjoy the relatively rare
experience of worshipping on a Second Sunday of Christmas—an extra Sunday filled with
our favorite Christmas hymns!
Epiphany falls on January 6th, as it always does in Western Christian traditions. The word
“epiphany” means "manifestation" or "appearance”. This season of the church year highlights
events that reveal Jesus' divinity, such as the visit of the Magi (Matt.2:1-12), the Baptism of Our
Lord (Lk. 3:15-22), and the wedding at Cana (Jn. 2:1-11). Many people will keep their holiday
lights up throughout January and even into February. While some may not realize it, light is
an important symbol of the season of Epiphany, celebrating Christ as the light shining in our
darkness!
During a recent trip to New Orleans, I was reminded of the different rhythms of life of our
church calendar compared to the secular one. Upon entering a restaurant, I noticed an
Epiphany blessing written in chalk above the doorway and wondered how many people
recognized the significance of those numbers and letters. The Epiphany home blessing, a
tradition that originated in medieval Europe, marks our homes (or, in this case, a restaurant)
with sacred symbols as a sign that we have invited God's presence and blessings upon those
who live, work, or visit throughout the year. This year's Epiphany home blessing is:
20+C+M+B+25.
The first and last numbers refer to our current year. The letters CMB represent the traditional
names of the three wise men who followed the star to the baby Jesus: Caspar, Melchior, and
Balthazar. They also signify the Latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, which means
“Christ, bless this home.”
Chalking the door is a tangible way to honor God’s presence in our lives and to remind
ourselves that, as Christians, we mark time differently. If you decide to chalk your door this
year, you may want to offer the following prayer: O God, you revealed your Son to all people
by the shining light of a star. We pray that you bless this home and all who live here with your
gracious presence. May your love be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our
light, and your peace our benediction; through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer from
sundaysandseasons.com)
As we step into this New Year, let us remember that God is always with us,
guiding and protecting us. Happy New Year! God is with us!
With you in Christ,
Pastor Elizabeth Rheinfrank