November 2011

Fraternal Greetings ---

Christmas is a special time – a time of rejoicing, of solemn thanksgiving, of gift giving, of pleasures both modern and traditional, of feasting and of being together with family and friends. It would appear that most if not all religions celebrate a time of peace and good will to man particularly around the time of the winter solstice.

It is a special time of holidays, either sacred or secular. It is a time to give a moment of pause in the flow of life, an exhalation, a time to take stock and a time to muse. Children return to the home; friends gather. There is no way that our words can describe the awe in our souls as we celebrate at the time of the winter solstice; a time of magic, Christmas.

It is the time to celebrate the birth of Christ and his teachings of love, peace and good will to man.

Christmas is that magical time of Year! It is a time when choirs sing and church bells ring. There is anticipation in the air as stockings are hung near trees that sparkle with tinsel and lights. There is nothing quite like Christmas, with its bounty of cheer and goodwill.

Mary Ellen Chase sums it up in a most interesting way by saying that "Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind."

"May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace;
The gladness of Christmas give you hope;
The warmth of Christmas grant you love."
Anonymous

May the feeling of Christmas remain with you long after this magic day has passed.

R.W. Bro. Douglas E. Galt
District Deputy Grand Master,
Ontario District
douggalt@xplornet.com
905-355-2394