As part of our Epiphany study, the Club Matt kids participated in a very old tradition we researched called "chalking the doors"...it's been around since the middle ages apparently - a tradition of marking the ephipany equation on the lintel above the door to each home.
20 + C + M + B + 10
But what does it mean?
Many know the names of the Wise Men (Magi) as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar (although these names are not found in the bible). The C M B of the equation stands for their names. The numbers 20 and 10 at beginning and end are the current year, and mean that the Wise Men followed the star to Jesus, our Lord, 2010 years ago. The crosses in between each number and letter remind us of Christ. Some suggest the C M B may also stand for "Christus Mansionem Benedicat," Latin, meaning "May Christ bless this dwelling."
The kids had a great time marking the equation in chalk on the brick outside each door of our church - asking for a blessing on our parish home and again showing everyone that we believe too. (No pictures of that artwork unfortunately!) Each child then took home an envelope with more chalk to mark the message on their house...spreading the message even more.
It was a dramatic way for the kids to feel connected to the story of the wise men and the importance of their journey to Jesus.
The adults in the congregation loved it too!
4 comments:
Wow your last post has left me with lots of new information. Well done kids!
Loved the post before of the truck with Cassidy's name on it What a cool thing and those cabs are just beautiful. Take care freinds.
that takes me back
My best friend growing up, Agneta, had this over the door to their family home. It was a big tradition with them -- they were Polish -- she's still Polish --
thanks for reminding me of this -- I'm smiling of days yore....
oh, how interesting!
At first I thought it was a math equation... it sure peaks one's curiosity and makes one read on!
Love the post! Interesting - never knew that!
What a great way to involve the kids! :)
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