Blessing the threshold: Aurora Lutherans revive ancient ritual

Aurora Lutherans revived an ancient Christian ritual on Jan. 3-4.

At services both days, Deacon David Webb performed a blessing of the threshold at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Standing on a stepladder, he led congregants in a responsive prayer for God’s blessing on the light and love the doorway gives way to.

On a board above the doorway, he chalked 20+C+M+B+26, meaning "Christ bless this house."

The ancient practice celebrates when, according to biblical accounts, three kings stood at the threshold of the stable where baby Jesus lay.

Webb said, “A Lutheran blessing of the threshold invokes God's presence and protection over a home, often using prayers for hospitality, peace and spiritual defense. It's a way to dedicate the entryway as a spiritual boundary, welcoming God into daily comings and goings and asking for grace for all who enter.”

St. Mark’s holds worship services at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. Sundays at the church, 27 S. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora.

Call (630) 897-6891 or visit stmarksaurora.net for more information.