Grand Commander's Message - December 2002
Taken from the Texas Insert for the Knight Templar Magazine
Volume XLIIX, Number 12, December 2002
As we approach the Christmas season, a time of good cheer and celebrating with family and friends, we always have in view the twinkling lights, shiny ornaments, and beautifully wrapped packages, but let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ the Messiah, the Anointed One, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, is our reason for the season. God sent his Son to provide hope and peace to a world in need. God's love is for everyone. In God's holy word, Luke 2:6-12, we find these words: "And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born and she gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flock of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid,' he said. 'I bring you the most joyful news ever announced and it is for everyone. The Savior, yes the Messiah, the Lord has been born tonight in Bethlehem. How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger.'" In many Christmas cards, a manger was, a wooden feeding trough for the purpose of holding hay or feed for the animals, but despite what modern day pictures reflect, our Messiah was born in a dark and dirty cave where a person would have to bow or stoop to enter the opening. Most people, and more expecially the Jewish people, felt that this atmosphere was not appropriate for the Messiah's birthplace. They viewed a royal surrounding or setting as more appropriate. The announcement of the Messiah's birth was as stated in the scriptures, to shepherds tending their flocks. The news came to the humble community—the ordinary working class. This signifies to me that one does not necessarily need extraordinary qualifications to be accepted; He accepts you as you are. So in conclusion, He humbled Himself as to His birthplace, a lowly manger. He humbled Himself to be born of a woman and endure the pains and sorrows of life. We should always follow His teachings and be of humble character in all aspects of our lives. May you have a very Merry Christmas—may God bless you and keep you safe! Jerry Pringle, Grand Prelate |
As Christian Knights, we are reminded to keep our obligations to our Heavenly Father and to each other. As we think about giving gifts this Christmas Season, why not give a Brother Mason and your Commandery a gift. Give your Brother a petition for the York Rite, and he will receive many blessings for many years to come. This gift will also give new life to your Chapter, Council and Commandery. |