The Light and Welcome of Christ

Painting by Lore Pemberton

Yesterday we enjoyed one of my favorite yearly traditions: celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany with the chalking of our front door. 

Friends sheltered out of the cold for a few moments to pray with us and write a blessing across the top of our door: Christus Mansionem Benedicat, or May Christ Bless This House. We lifted each boy up to add the crosses between the letters, and asked God to “visit this home with the gladness of his presence…and grant that we may manifest his love to each other and to all whose lives we touch” as Sam prayed reverently and Noah clutched my hand shyly and Henry danced joyfully and Jane nuzzled her head under my chin contentedly. I was reminded of how these same friends prayed for her safe delivery and the calming of my deep anxiety on this night last year, and how Jesus truly has “been our constant companion, so that coming and going we may be sustained by his presence, now and forever.” 

During the season of Epiphany, we remember that just as God revealed his glory, goodness, and light by a star to guide the Wise Men to the feet of Christ, our lives also shine his light, reflect his love, and hold out his hope to the weary in a dark world. And not just in a general sense, but particularly, specifically, in this very time and place, to the very people whose lives are intertwined with our own.

This theme is something I’ve been turning over in my mind and heart over the past year. As I consider what it might look like for our home and our family to receive the light and life of Jesus and then reflect it to each other and those around us, Romans 15:5-7 has really captured my imagination, and I pray it often over our little family and our church body:

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

When I first saw this delightful painting by Lore Pemberton, it spoke to me so powerfully of this warmth and welcome that is ours to give and receive as the people of God. Yesterday, on the day we celebrate the light of Christ drawing and welcoming all peoples, seemed the perfect day to frame it and give it a happy home in our busy kitchen.  As I glance at the picture, noticing wonderful new details each time (the papery garlic peels drifting to the floor—relatable!, or the spoons in her hand) as I chop veggies or make pb&js, I am reminded that the whole-hearted welcome of Christ is extended to us and by us not only in a beckoning Star in the East, but also in peeled carrots and one more book at bedtime and chalked letters of blessing across a front door.

“O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth. Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. May all who came to this home this year rejoice to find Christ dwelling among us; and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is your incarnate Word. Amen.”
-From the Liturgy for Chalking the Door