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2007 CHRISTMAS MESSAGES

S.K. BRADFORD L. HUFFMAN
RIGHT EMINENT GRAND COMMANDER
2007 - 2008

CHRISTMAS 2007
To all Officers and Members of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Montana, The Officers and Members of Constituent Commanderies of this Jurisdiction and all Knights Templar, Master Masons and their families, where-so-ever dispersed:
Season's Greetings,
As we enter this most joyous time of year, Connie and I would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.  It is this time of year that finds us making plans for family get-togethers complete with all the festivities, food and fun that comes with the Holiday Season.  As we do this, let's not forget to be thankful that we live in this great country that was built by those who believed in God.  Because of their efforts, along with many more since then, the many freedoms we enjoy, including the freedom of religion, still exists for us today and have become the envy of the world.
We, as Christian Masons, should ever remember "the reason for the season."  It is indeed a wondrous and exciting time for our Children and Grandchildren with all the sights and sounds.  However, there is nothing more wondrous than the Story of the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I encourage you to share that with them in both word and song during this special time.
Please say a special prayer during this season for our men and women in uniform who can't be with their family during this Holiday Season.  They are deserving of our support and prayers.
And finally, Sir Knights and Ladies, as we go about the hustle and bustle of this season, remember, when you wish someone a "Merry Christmas", do it with a big smile!  Make it your duty and obligation to remind others that this is the time of year that we, as Christians, celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.   Give a helping hand to those less fortunate.  Take the time to stop and visit with your friends and neighbors.  Let your life be an example to others and as Jesus Commanded, "Let us Love one Another."
May each and every one of you enjoy the special blessings of this Christmas Season.
In His Name,
Bradford L. Huffman
Brad Huffman
Right Eminent Grand Commander

December 2007
Christmas Message from the Grand Prelate
As I sit here in front of the computer screen I wonder how to adjust my words to this Christmas season.
In our high pace world, where commercialization has dominated the Christmas season we need to stop and think and thank God for the blessing he has given us.
The new world, the Americas, and particularly the United States of America.   Peopled by religious dissidents of Europe, from penal institutions, extremely poor, but each wanting a better life.  Not afraid of work they dug in.  They built churches and then schools after they had established their homes.  God was ever in their minds not only on the Sabbath but with each of them in their daily work.  They knew that their very existence came from God, thus Thanksgiving.  Praise to God.  So many times when circumstances prevailed and they were in desperate times they always turned to God.  In this day of liberalism and the fear of a few that we will ask God for help.  With a paid Chaplain in Congress and the various tributes to God carved on the doors of our public buildings, with the picture of the 10 commandments on the Justice Buildings, most of us must still revere and worship God and his son Jesus Christ.        
"Away in a manger, no crib for his head, The Little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head."  Words I remember from my youth.  With no room at the Inn God had provided a stable.  Oh how terrible to have to have a baby born in a barn.  Let us explore this situation.  As Rome had decreed that each should be counted in the city of their birth many were on the road and needed accommodation.  I would imagine that facilities were crowded and not too clean. Camping out around a campfire with all to look on was not an option.   A stable cut into the rock would keep the wind out with hay or straw for comfort.  Mary had most likely brought the clothes along knowing that a birth was imminent.  What better place for this wonderful event.  
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we still have turmoil in this old world as they did in those times.   The scheming of men for power, for money, for prestige and dominance over his fellow man is today as prevalent as in the days of Christ.  Where is the Golden Rule?  
As Christian Knights we still have the vow to bind up the wounds of the afflicted, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked.  In our world volunteers are needed. Many groups need a helping hand.  Ring the bell for Christmas donations, help at the food bank.  The schools could use people to listen to children read.  The hospitals and nursing homes can always use a helping hand.  An example is the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for all who come.  What a wonderful example of reaching out, bind up the wounds of the afflicted, feed the hungry, clothe the naked.  
Eleanor and I wish for you and yours a joyous holiday season, we still use the greeting
"MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.  MAY GOD PREVAIL."
CHARLIE