Slideshow image

Chalking the Door

By Pr. Lisa Rygiel

Have you ever walked past a door and seen what appears to be random letters and numbers written at the top? You may have even noticed this at Zion’s; yellow chalk markings located just above the sanctuary entryway. These letters and numbers actually have a great significance.

Epiphany (which means “revealing”) commemorates the Magi who came from the East following a star and bearing gifts to meet the child who would become king. We celebrate Epiphany to remember that Christ has revealed himself to us, too. 

“Chalking the door” is a centuries-old way to celebrate and to mark the occasion of the Epiphany with God’s blessing of our lives and homes. Using blessed chalk, people mark the doorpost of their home with an inscription signifying the new year, along with the marks C+M+B, which stand for the Latin words Christus mansionem benedicat, which means “May Christ bless this house.” They also stand for the traditional names of the Magi who visited Christ: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar.

Epiphany of our Lord is traditionally celebrated on Jan. 6. However, the Church in the United States celebrates it on the Sunday between Jan. 2 and Jan. 8. Many around the world celebrate this feast with as much pomp and circumstance as Christmas, including the exchanging of gifts.

On the feast of Epiphany, many churches will bless their churches by writing the letters C, M, and B and the numbers of the year on either side — so this year it would look like “20+C+M+B+26.” We will do this at Zion’s this Sunday. In addition, we will bless some chalk and provide the words for a house blessing so that each family can bless their home. This tradition, which is popular in Poland and other Slavic countries, has spread around the world and become increasingly popular in the United States. May all our homes be blessed in this coming new year!

Jan. 4, 2nd Sunday of Christmas
10 a.m. Sunday Worship

Announcements

  • Flowers: Flowers for Sunday are shared by Mark & Jo Moss in celebration of their 46thwedding anniversary.
  • First Sunday Potluck: We begin 2026 with our first Sunday Potluck on Jan. 4. Join us after worship for food and fellowship as we enter the season of Epiphany.
  • The Way Ministry: At 1 p.m. each Sunday, Zion’s welcomes the Way ministry to our fellowship hall as they offer food and worship to the unhoused and others in need. Please keep this ministry in your prayers this winter season.
  • Church Directory Updates: Julie Wersal is working on the Zions 2026 Church Directory. She placed a copy of the 2025 directory in a pink binder in the Fellowship Hall. Please take time to look at that directory and make any changes or updates to your information. If you would like to be added to the directory, there are pages in the back of the binder to add your information. Also, if you would like a new photo, please indicate that in your review as well.
  • Bible Study: Zion’s will begin a new Bible Study in the coming weeks. Please check E-formation, Zion’s website, and bulletins for details as we finalize schedules.
  • Altar Flowers: The 2026 Flower Chart is on the door of the Robing Room in the Sanctuary. Please write your name and a few words identifying your donation. A donation of $35 is requested for flowers and can be given using the options outlined for offering.
  • Save the Date: Feb. 1 – Annual Congregational Meeting (after worship)

E-formation

This year the liturgical calendar includes a second Sunday after Christmas before Epiphany, and the gospel is the Christological poem in John 1. On Christmas Day we heard John 1 in connection with Isaiah and Hebrews, and this Sunday with Jeremiah and Ephesians. For those of us who live in a cold climate, the psalm for the day is for us!

John 1:1-18

Today’s reading from John 1 includes several verses not appointed for Christmas Day. “Grace” is here not a prayer said before meals but is the undeserved love of God embodied in Jesus Christ. We call the sacraments “means of grace”—the vehicles through which we receive the love of God. In word and sacrament, we join John the Baptist in testifying to the presence of God in Christ.

Jeremiah 31:7-14

With this magnificent poem about the love of God the Father, the care of God the Shepherd, and the plenty and joy of life in the church as if it were a watered garden, we celebrate the birth of Christ among us. In the sacraments we “walk by brooks of water,” and we know the fullness of “the grain, the wine, and the oil.”

Ephesians 1:3-14

At the celebration of the incarnation, we experience the mystery of God’s plan for the redemption of the human race. According to the reading, the triune God comes to us, lavishing grace

Zion's Lutheran Church

zionsluth@gmail.com

719-846-7785