Editorial:

For the past several years, it has been a bit difficult writing a Merry Christmas message to you, our readers. The economic circumstances that we have all had to endure during these years made it hard as we faced tough times, as neighbors lost homes, friends lost jobs, and it was difficult to find the money to spend on Christmas presents.

This year, while by no means is the recession over, the promise of hope is coming to pass as our economy begins to rebound. There is, finally, a light at the end of this dark tunnel we have all had to endure.

Christmas 2009 is a window to 2010. We look forward to much better times where we can breathe a sigh of relief as that ever present sense of pressure from worry starts to lift. After these years of recession we will come out much smarter and much stronger as we look to the future.

This year the commercialization of Christmas does not serve as a reminder of what we can’t afford and the pending disappointment that will greet our children on Christmas morning, but serves as a reminder of what is to come. The future is bright.

At the same time, we return to our places of worship and thank the Lord for all we have and share in the joy of the birth of Christ. For many, our faith in God has helped sustain us through these difficult times, church is a place to go to seek solace and affirmation, a place to seek support and lend support to those who have even less. Our church offers us a place to share in the joy of life, with our family, friends, and community.

For all of this we are thankful and we wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas.