Dearest Brother Knights and Knight Families:

On Christmas morning, 1914, German soldiers were heard singing Christmas carols from their trenches, and soon British and French troops from the opposing side joined in. It was the Christmas Truce of 1914. Nearly 101 years ago, the respect and reverence for the coming of our Savior was ever so engrained in Christian nations that Christ, even centuries after his death, was able to bring a cease-fire to World War I, however brief.

Christ’s coming into the world brings a message of hope and joy. Yet, while negative images of hate and violence permeate our social media, we must pause and remember that Christmas is God’s gift to mankind of hope, joy, but above all . . . peace. Since 1914, a Christmas truce in these uncertain times might seem unthinkable, but we have faith that Jesus Christ, humanity’s Prince of Peace, will deliver on his promise to bring peace to this Earth.

“. . . It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time.
On this platform of peace, we can create a language
To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other.

At this Holy Instant, we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ
Into the great religions of the world.
We jubilate the precious advent of trust.
We shout with glorious tongues at the coming of hope.
All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices
To celebrate the promise of Peace.

We, Angels and Mortal’s, Believers and Non-Believers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.

Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul.”

– Maya Angelou

During 2015, I am pleased to report that our Council and its individual members donated funds to, among other organizations, the Ukrainian Relief Fund to help people effected by the Ukrainian-Russian Conflict, and to Christians-At-Risk to help our fellow Christians being killed in the Middle East (with a dollar-for-dollar match by our Supreme Council). In giving to these organizations, we seek to bring peace and alleviate the sufferings of people victimized by the violence in that part of the world. I am proud of you all for your support in these endeavors.

Please remember to pray for peace during this Christmas season. May all of my Brother Knights and their families have a very Merry Christmas.

Vivat Jesus!
Lewis F. Munoz
Grand Knight, Council 953