Today we celebrate the Epiphany, "the showing forth" of the Messiah to the nations.  Matthew preserved this tradition for us.  It is a story with much to tell people of our own day.  The astrologers from the East were observant.  They saw a new star in the heavens and wondered what its rising meant.  They reflected on its meaning and determined that it meant a new king had been born.  They responded to this knowledge by leaving families and friends behind to make a difficult and dangerous journey in order to pay homage to the new king.  
    It is interesting that others mentioned in the story responded in such different ways.  The chief priests and elders of the people, whom King Herod consulted to find the birth place of the Messiah, showed no interest whatsoever in the possibility of a newborn king of the Jews.  While they studied the scriptures and knew where the Messiah would be born, they were too busy to consider the possibility of the birth of their Messiah.  There was no epiphany for them.
    Herod was greatly disturbed at the news and with him all of Jerusalem.  No wonder!  Herod was a bloodthirsty tyrant who had already slain members of his own family to secure his throne.  Any news that disturbed King Herod would disturb all of his people.  It was not a good epiphany for Herod or the people of Jerusalem.
    In this gospel story we observe different ways that people can react to their religious experience.  Have you ever had an epiphany, God showing forth his presence in your life?  We can choose to ignore the experience as the chief priests and elders did.  We can respond in a superstitious way and be terrified as Herod did.  Or we can accept our experience, reflect on its meaning, and respond appropriately, as did the wise ones from the East.

CHRISTMAS THANKS!
Our generous God truly blessed us with a wonderful Christmas at St. Hilary this year!  It seemed to me that many more people took advantage of the healing power of the sacrament of Reconciliation.  There is no better way to prepare for Christmas than by accessing he graces of this sacrament. 
    Thanks to the many generous people who worked very hard to make everything just right for the Advent and Christsmas seasons.  Some cleaned the church, others decorated. There were those who prepared the liturgies.  
Many thanks to Frs. Darrow and Olsen, and our deacons Don Wehling, and Dan Welter for leading us in prayer! 
    Thanks to Mr. Chadek and our wonderful musicians, our adult choir, schola and bell choir, our liturgical ministers, servers, parishioners and visitors.  Each of you helped make this a blessed and beautiful Christmas. Thanks to you all and God bless you!  Please continue your support for our parish.