Natural disasters, wars and military threats, political and economic crises, fear of unemployment and loss of prosperity, injustice and social coldness, disinformation and lies in politics and society and their unashamed spread on social networks, intolerance and disrespect towards other people and opinions, racism and national chauvinism… All of this is actually no reason for Christmas joy. Many people are increasingly insecure and afraid.
And many people wish that someone would come along who would solve the knot of these concentrated problems, someone who would bring stability and security and a good future. However, strong men usually turn out to be false giants who become smaller the closer they get and who prefer to work for their own personal benefit rather than for the good of the people. This is actually nothing new. But in our time these phenomena seem to be occurring more frequently and worldwide.
What can still give us courage and hope – at least for the Christmas season? A verse from the book of the prophet Isaiah that is appropriate for Christmas – the celebration of the birth of Jesus – is:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:5)
Yes, we would need one of these now: a wonderful guide that solves the problems of our time, a Strong God who is more powerful than the rulers of our time, an eternal Father with whom we feel safe and protected and whom we can come with our worries and needs, a Prince of Peace who will put an end to all wars and conflicts – once and for all. In the Hebrew original text, this Prince of Peace is called
Sar-Shalom ( שר שלום ).
Shalom, the term translated as “peace”, is much more than the absence of war. First of all, Shalom means “wholeness” and “comprehensive salvation .” This does not only mean liberation from all harm, but also health, prosperity, peace , tranquility and happiness. “Wholeness,” “satisfaction,” “well-being,” and “collective prosperity” are also included in shalom. Closely related to this is justice. In the Bible, shalom is seen as the fruit of justice and the result of trust in God.
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In him, this Sar-Shalom, of which Isaiah speaks, became human. And that is why we have reason for hope on this Christmas 2024 and can look to the future with confidence – despite all the imponderables. Because in the end, Sar-Shalom will make everything work out for the best.
With this in mind, I wish you all a
MERRY AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS
Courage and confidence for the New Year 2025 and
שלום
on the outside and in the hearts.
Sincerely,
Thomas Kohwagner.
We are commonly known by the name KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
As an ecumenical Christian knightly order, we are neither political nor do we share Masonic, Gnostic or occult-esoteric ideas.
We are a modern Templar Order, but we are inspired by the highest ideals and values of the medieval Order of the Knights Templar and consider ourselves their spiritual heirs.
With the knightly vow, the members of our order undertake to lead a life of honor and excellence by representing Christian values and knightly virtues and making them recognizable in their lives. We choose a meaningful life by standing up for what is right and important for our family, society and nation.
If you share the same values and want to improve and get involved through the path of Knighthood, we welcome you.
Contact and join us!
Provided we match, membership will be granted through a well-described and uncomplicated process.
Joining ANIMA TEMPLI offers you the following advantages:
Family: You will be welcomed into a large family of brothers and sisters with community and networking.
Legitimacy: We can trace our history back to the Templar revival of the 18th century, and we invoke the spiritual legacy of the historic Templar Order.
Mission: We are on a mission to change the world for the better. History has shown that an organized group of people united in a common cause can have a lasting impact on the development of society.
Independence: Our Order is a 21st century re-establishment and is not affiliated with other existing Neo-Templar Orders from which it differs conceptually. However, we maintain friendly relations with other Templars and their organizations.
Freedom: The subdivisions of our order freely decide on their work priorities and the choice of their leaders.
Low Cost: Our membership fees are affordable. We don’t want to make money, but have honest and noble intentions and a more important mission in this world.
Community: As a member of the Order you are part of a large community of like-minded brothers and sisters – with the same goals and the same mission.
Events: You have the opportunity to participate in the ceremonies and events of the Knights Templar and to meet many new brothers and sisters.
Help: If you need help or advice, we are here for you.
Charity: We work to serve, and our members volunteer for many worthy charitable causes.
If you would like to join or have any questions about the Order, please let us know by using the “Contact” link. We will answer your request as soon as possible.
