Eve of Epiphany Evensong and Feast of Lights

Bring the whole family on Sunday, January 5 at 5 pm for Choral Evensong celebrating the Light of Christ. This beautiful service of sung evening prayer includes the Procession of the Nativity and is followed by a reception in the Julia Garden amid all the sparkling lights. Evensong will be live-streamed.

We celebrate the Burning of the Greens, with a small bonfire of Christmas greenery. This tradition of the Christian church goes as far back as 567 A.D. when it’s believed the tradition of celebrating Twelfth Night began. We will also chalk the church door, an Epiphany tradition in the Anglican church.

Choral Evensong, a hallmark of the Anglican tradition, marks the day’s end and prepares us for the coming night. Through music and the spoken word, sound, and silence, one can easily experience the mystery and beauty of God. Evensong for the Eve of the Epiphany is offered by the SJD Chorale.

“Chalking the Door” is a short liturgy for marking our homes with sacred symbols and asking God’s blessing upon those who live, work, or visit throughout the coming year. In this service, we mark our front or main entrance doors with chalk as a sign that we are inviting God’s presence into the places, relationships, and situations that we call home.

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“Chalking the Door” is a short liturgy for marking our homes with sacred symbols and asking God’s blessing upon those who live, work, or visit throughout the coming year. In this service, we mark our front or main entrance doors with chalk as a sign that we are inviting God’s presence into the places, relationships, and situations that we call home.

A common way of chalking the door is to write these symbols along the doorframe (updating the last two digits with each new year):

20 + C + M + B + 25

The first and last numbers comprise the four digits of the current year (2025, 2026, etc.). The letters “C,” “M,” and “B” come from the three traditional names for the unnamed Magi in Matthew 2: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar (also spelled “Balthazar”). Some also suggest that the letters can represent “Christus Mansionem Benedicat,” which means “May Christ bless this dwelling!” A cross is placed between each set of numbers and letters.

This rite can be done at homes and at churches. Here are the main steps:

1. Mark your calendar – Epiphany is on January 6, 12 days after Christmas. In Great Britain, chalking the door takes place on Twelfth Night (January 5), the eve of Epiphany. Many families gather in their homes to celebrate with friends, food, singing, and gifts along with chalking the door.
2. Find some chalk – Any color will do! Sidewalk chalk is a particularly sturdy option.
3. Gather everyone together – Everyone should be involved. If you’re blessing your home, gather your whole household. Those who live alone may consider inviting a friend or neighbor. If you’re blessing your church building, invite the congregation to meet at your church.
4. Pray – Below are some prayers and liturgies that you can use.
5. Write the inscription – Use the chalk and take turns with those present to write the numbers, letters, and crosses on or above the outside of your door: 20 + C + M + B + [xx] (the last two digits of the current year).