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January 8, 2023“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
The Magi were ancient astrologers who interpreted the heavens, seeking omens of things to come. The appearance of a star that did not seem to match what they were accustomed to led them to "follow" it to Palestine and to the realm of Herod Antipas. The star appeared to be particularly focused on a small town and a space that was rather informal for the nature of the event taking place! Tradition calls it a stable and we add farm animals to the scene. Many of them will pin the star on the front of the stable. Our brothers and sisters of the Eastern Catholic churches celebrate the feast of the Epiphany as the Western Latin church celebrates the feast of Christmas. The word "epiphany" is from a Greek term meaning to shine forth. The word "revelation" is often used to translate the term. But the star remains a star and a symbol of a momentous revelation.
Unfortunately, the star has become domesticated and serves for many as a decorative item in or on top of traditional Christmas trees. Its role as a herald of Good News is lost in the exotic figures of the Magi and their gifts. Its use as a way of describing popular entertainment figures further erodes its scriptural role on this feast.
We can call attention to the star by installing it on our nativity sets, but perhaps even better we may become "stars" in a better sense (than entertainment figures). Does the revelation of God incarnate in the figure of the Christ child shine forth in us during this season. Does the "wonder of the Incarnation" (Christmas Preface) shine forth in our celebration? "Christ is born!" seems a better revelation than "Merry Christmas!" Can we attract others to the truth of Christ's birth so that they may come to do him homage? AMEN
