New Year’s Day has come and gone. The vast majority of Christians have taken down all their Christmas decorations, lights, and trees. It seems like my husband and I are the only ones in the neighborhood who still have our Christmas tree and light our outdoor Christmas lights. But did you know the Christmas season is not yet over?
The Catholic Breviary enlightens us about the Christmas Season. It states, “The Christmas Season begins on the 24th of December and ends on the 13th of January.
During this time, the Church celebrates the following Feasts:
- The Nativity of our Lord
- The Circumcision
- The Most Holy Name of Jesus
- The Epiphany
- The Baptism of Our Lord
The contemplation of the Mystery of the Incarnation invites us to be born again through a more vital union with Jesus Christ, Who became Man for us. With the Magi we should thank God for manifesting Himself to us. We should walk like them with a lively faith, ever seeking the true God and longing for His heavenly gifts.” [St. Jos. Daily Missal,1958]
Today January 6th is the feast of the Epiphany, celebrating the arrival of the Magi to adore the Infant Jesus. Many Catholics place a blessing marked with blessed chalk over every entrance to the house on the Epiphany. Called “Chalking the Door” it is an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in our home.
Chalking The Door
The inscription this year will read 20 + C + M + B + 17. The 20 and 17 refer to the present year, 2017. The C, M, and B are the first letters of the names of the Magi – Caspar, Balthazar, and Melchior. The + signs represent the cross and CMB also is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” meaning “May Christ bless the house”
The inscription in blessed chalk is a blessing to protect the home and all the members of the household. A Catholic priest can bless chalk for you so that you too can place this inscription over all the entrances to your home, and receive the blessings of the Magi.
My husband and I will keep up our beautiful Christmas decorations, lights, and tree up until January 13th, the Baptism of Our Lord. We wish you peace, happiness and the blessings of the Infant Jesus this Christmas season!
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