The Christmas season is upon us once again. That time of year where we gather with friends and family to exchange gifts and practice our beloved Christmas traditions. Whether it is decorating your house with ribbons and wreaths, hanging up some twinkling lights, or turning your front lawn into a winter wonderland, it’s a time to celebrate the joy of the season and for Christians, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I sit and reflect on the Christmas season, I am reminded of the stress that comes with this time of year.
The stress to find the perfect gift for your significant others, the stress of finding the latest electronic gizmos for your kids, the stress of numerous Christmas functions and trying to be in 30 places at once. Even as masons, we too get caught up in all the traditions of the seasons, such as fellowship dinners, meetings with Santa, parades, etc. It is easy to get lost in all the commotion and stress that the Christmas season brings.
I think one thing we all can do is listen. Ignore the noise and listen for those things that mean the most. Listen for the voice of the homeless who cry out for help, listen for the voice of your family members who are having a difficult time, the voice of a colleague that cannot afford a trip home, and, as a Christian, the voice of a baby who will someday die for our sins. Put aside the material and listen to those voices that really matter.
The Christmas season is a great reminder that there are people that are less fortunate than us. As a freemason, I am reminded of the importance of charity. Charity can come in many forms. It can be a monetary contribution, it can be a bag of food, it can be a blanket or new set of clothes, but it can also be as simple as lending a listening ear.
This Christmas season, I challenge myself and all my fellow companions, to simply listen. This alone could be the greatest Christmas gift one could receive.
A Christmas prayer from our Illustrious Grand Chaplain:
Grand Architect of all that we are, help us to realize the designs that you placed on the trestle board for our enlightenment and instruction. We realize that history truly does move beyond the secret vault and the nineth arch. We discover that it was in your design and plan from the very beginning to create a people and nation for yourself that would ultimately bless all the nations of the earth. You revealed yourself in a real and finite way. You have called us to your holy mountain to learn and practice war no more. You direct us to turn our weapons of war into implements of peace. Bless us in this season as we truly remember and honor you by being good stewards of your creation and messengers of peace and love with all whom we come in contact with! We praise and bless your holy name. Amen
Merry Christmas Companions and we hope each of you make wonderful memories that you and your family will cherish forever!
Derrik Helfer, GM and IGCh Gary Sheets