It’s time for singing “Silent Night” just as the old year ends,

And time for sending greetings out to relatives and friends.

We wish you Merry Christmas now and hope your New Year’s fine.

But first let’s take a backward look at the year 2009.

The year began on Washington’s streets, with politics, style, and drama.

The crowds converged from far and wide to inaugurate Obama.

Michelle and two daughters also were there, enjoying the whole celebration,

Because Barack was chosen to lead the next four years of our nation.

The Stimulus Package, the Health Care Bill, Cash for Clunkers, and such,

These were the things we heard about and talked about so much.

We talked about the “Octo-mom” and “The Boy in the Silver Balloon,”

And the startling news that NASA reports -- that there’s water on the moon!

Some birds hit a jet on a cold New York day; the thought of it gives us a shiver.

But a hero named “Sully” is at the controls, and he safely lands in the river.

Ms. Palin left her Governor’s job, and then she wrote a book.

Is she leaning now toward 2012, with a Presidential look?

Did your peanut butter make you sick, or the H1N1 flu?

We hope your health’s been excellent, and God’s been good to you.

We’ve had some pain and sorrow too. Things aren’t always good.

There were raging wars in the Middle East, and tragedy at Fort Hood.

Bernie Madoff’s now in jail; how could he be so mean,

By cheating friend and foe alike, with his ruthless Ponzi scheme?

Walter Cronkite passed away; in fact there were quite a few.

‘Twas the year that Edward Kennedy died, and Ed McMahon too.

Michael Jackson left the stage, still seeking fame and glory.

We’ll miss Paul Harvey, who always said, “…and that’s the rest of the story.”

Isaiah, Micah, David, too, foretold Messiah’s birth.

Jehovah sent Emmanuel to bless the entire Earth.

“God loved us and sent His Son,” the Holy Scriptures say,

So we accept him in our hearts, the Truth, the Life, the Way.

We pray that you receive him too, and feel the joy and cheer,

That Jesus brings at Christmas time, and all throughout the year.

“Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men.” the angel chorus sings,

And those are just the gifts we hope this joyous season brings.

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year!

Love,

Stan and Pat Lane