Christmas Greetings!

♪♫ Oh, there’s no one inside, it’s frightful, 

But the calm is so delightful,

And the boys are all now full grown: 

Let them go, let them go, let them go!

Now a year’s passed us by since weddings, 

Of Burnell and John who gave rings

To Amanda, Alissa trothed: 

Let them go, let them go, let them go!

            Andy’s fam’ly’s now Kristy Ann

            And the grandchildren! Yes, they are grand!

            And when Sarah and David come,

            All the old home’s brightly warmed!

Now that Joey and Michael both flew 

Off to school at Eastern Ill.— U.

There’s only we two at home; 

Let them go, let them go, let them go!

Far away, for theology;

Peter’s gone for a year: Germany;

He’ll return in July, that’s when

Everyone’s home once again!

And the rest’ll be here for Christmas 

When we’ll fill again our house-nest;

Happy times till they’re on their way— 

Let them go, let them go, let them go!  

 

God rest ye merry* this Christmas 2011 and always!

The Eckardt family

*Our annual tagline from the carol “God Rest ye Merry, Gentlemen” is a paraphrase of the tidings to Bethlehem shepherds (the “gentlemen”) from the angel: “Fear not (“God rest ye merry”), for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”