So this is Christmas
And what have you done?
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong

And so happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear.

Listen here

When John Lennon wrote this song, he really got it right!  What better wish could there be than to live in a world without prejudice, fear or war?  This is the kind of world we in Rotary work towards−a world of peace.

At this very special time of year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to you all for the effort you have put in to your Rotary work throughout the year.  We should never lose sight of our mission − to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and I hope the New Year brings much peace and joy. 

Both Gabrielle and I look forward to seeing you in 2012 and to continuing to work alongside you in the service of Rotary towards a better world.

Keith Ryall
District Governor 2011-2012
Rotary District 9800