A blessing for Epiphany

Epiphany marks the occasion on which the magi brought their gifts to Jesus in the manger, led to the stable by a star that foretold the birth of a king.

The traditional name of the three kings form part of the Epiphany House Blessing described here. As you see, the alternate meaning of the three initials used - C, M, B - is "Christus mansionem benedicat" or "Christ bless this house." Either way, marking the lintel of one's front door is a good way to start the new year, and offers us a reminder to keep seeking Christ when the festivities of Christmastide are long past.

We marked our door at St. Clement's today, and sent people home with chalk that had been blessed by +Archbishop Melissa as part of the diocesan Epiphany kits. It's not too late to mark your own door, if you haven't already - just see Philippa or Peggy for some chalk and a prayer to take with you.

Jan Richardson offers us this Epiphany blessing to accompany us on our journey into this new decade. May you be ever aware of God's presence at your side, and in the lives of those you meet.

For Those Who Have Far to Travel
A Blessing for Epiphany

If you could see
the journey whole,
you might never
undertake it,
might never dare
the first step
that propels you
from the place
you have known
toward the place
you know not.

Call it
one of the mercies
of the road:
that we see it
only by stages
as it opens
before us,
as it comes into
our keeping,
step by
single step.

There is nothing
for it
but to go,
and by our going
take the vows
the pilgrim takes:

to be faithful to
the next step;
to rely on more
than the map;
to heed the signposts
of intuition and dream;
to follow the star
that only you
will recognize;

to keep an open eye
for the wonders that
attend the path;
to press on
beyond distractions,
beyond fatigue,
beyond what would
tempt you
from the way.

There are vows
that only you
will know:
the secret promises
for your particular path
and the new ones
you will need to make
when the road
is revealed
by turns
you could not
have foreseen.

Keep them, break them,
make them again;
each promise becomes
part of the path,
each choice creates
the road
that will take you
to the place
where at last
you will kneel

to offer the gift
most needed—
the gift that only you
can give—
before turning to go
home by
another way.

—Jan Richardson
from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons