Grand Commanders Christmas Message

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing, which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2

Merry Christmas Sir Knights, Ladies and Guests. This is the story of the beginning of the Templars. Think about it. Without this event taking place in history, we would not exist. At all! There would be no reason. There are so many parallels between Templary, Christianity and Jesus. Jesus, the savior of the world, was born in human form, grew to be a man, was well educated. Served humanity, taught lessons for the good of humanity and did what was right all of the time, maybe not in the eyes of the day, but in God’s eyes. He was persecuted for these beliefs and was crucified, died and was buried. We, as Templars, were born of a woman, were raised, were well educated, worked, and our “ministry” is to show humanity what it mean to Chivalrous. Doing what is right, even when no one is looking. Our ancient fraters were persecuted and were killed for belonging to this order. Direct parallels to Christianity and Jesus. But that was not the end. No, Just the beginning. Jesus was raised from the dead. Was ascended into heaven and is today seated on the right hand of God the Father. Our order did not cease to exist either. We may have disappeared for a few years, but the same held true. We were guided by God, there was a plan for us as Templars to continue. To carry on. To help weary pilgrims on there way to the holy land and yes, even preserve the ancient landmarks of Christianity.

Because of these parallels between Jesus, Christianity, and the Templars, I believe that God has blessed us, and has given each one of us an opportunity to help make the world, we live in today, a better place for all humanity. Our Masonic background gives us the foundation to be better men. To live in harmony with all. Our Templar obligations of convict our souls to do the right thing always. To be aware that we are always ready to die and to live with the zeal and fervency that is required of us in our Christian faith.

My Fraters do not be afraid to proclaim that you are Templars. Let the world know that we are here to set the example, and to be the light of the world. Helping all, who we meet, to believe, that what the world needs today, is what we as Knights Templar have to offer. We have a better way. Believe this, live this, and we will change the world.

May the blessings of our newborn Savior be with you and your families through this Christmas season and always.

In His Service.

David J Dumonceaux

SK David J Dumonceaux, REGC of the Grand Commandery of MN.