On learning the purpose of their journey, Herod surmised that the star announced the long awaited Messiah king.  For Herod this was a clear threat to his authority.  He summoned the scribes and the chief priests and asked for the birth place of the Messiah. Herod shared the news with the magi and sent them on their way, but only after he obtained from them the time of the star's appearance.  The wicked king bid them send him word of the child's whereabouts, that he might come and worship as well.

            The magi proceeded to follow the star and came to worship the child Jesus.  They were told in a dream to return home by a different way.  Joseph, the child's foster father, was told to flee with the child and Mary, his mother to Egypt.  Herod sought to destroy all the children born around the time of the star's appearance.

            The story of the magi is the story of how people respond differently to the coming of Christ into their lives.  Presumably the whole world saw the star, but only some realized its importance.  The Jews did not recognize the star, but the Gentile magi did.  The magi left everything to follow the star, but Herod and the scribes and the chief priests did not.  Herod was wise enough to recognize the omen of the Messiah, yet ignorant enough to think he could thwart God's plan with cunning violence.  The scribes and the chief priests knew all about the birth place of the Messiah, but they didn't care enough to inquire about the truth of the rumors.

            Two thousand years later things have not changed that much.  The light of the Lord still shines.  And the wise ones still seek him out!

            Thank You, God, for a wonderful Christmas here at St. Hilary Parish.  Thanks to all who volunteered to clean and decorate the church, to the choir members, Mr. Chadek and our wonderful musicians, liturgical ministers, servers and celebrants, parishioners and visitors. Each of you helped make this a blessed and beautiful Christmas.  Please continue your support for our parish.