Grand Master's Holiday Message

My Brethren, Family and friends,

As we begin this holiday season, it is appropriate that we pause to reflect on the year that will soon be ending and look forward with great anticipation to a New Year.

During this holiday season we celebrate the gift of light. Some of us celebrate a gift of faith, which kept light alive far longer than ever could have been expected. Some of us celebrate a gift of love that brought light into a world grown cold and dark. Whatever our faiths, we should take time this season to bring the gift of light to those around us.

Our gifts of light might come in the form of giving blood to those who need it. We might spread light by giving money or presents to a worthy charity, so that others who have little might remember that they are cared for. We might give light by sharing our celebrations with those who are alone, or with those who have a family member serving far away. We might give light by simply smiling more often, saying “thank you” a few more times, or saying “I love you” to our families and those we love.

My Brothers, it is most important to remember that we celebrate the season of light in what is the darkest month of the year. This fact reminds us that it is most important to share the gifts of faith, love and light at all times, but especially at those times when the world feels the darkest. It is at these times that our gifts of light shine the brightest.

On behalf of Joyce, Brian and I, we thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers these past few weeks. On behalf of us and your elected and appointed Grand Line, we wish you a Happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with good health, happiness and especially peace on earth.

May God continue to bless you and your family and our great Fraternity. May He watch over our men and women in military service and bring them safely home, and may God continue to Bless America!

Sincerely & fraternally,

Neal I. Bidnick
Grand Master