North Pole Express

 

Here in Lindon there is a small neighborhood that runs an 1/8 scale model train through the land. Each year they set it up to be the "North Pole Express" and invite the public to come ride. The remarkable thing about it is that it is free. Any donations collected go to help a local charity. This year they will have over 8,000 people ride their train.

Last week we had the opportunity to go. I was impressed with the organization and the set up of it all but, most of all, I was impressed with the reminder that everyone that rides that train is given. The first part of the train ride was set up as one would expect. There were lights and figurines portraying santa, his elves and reindeer etc... The train made a short stop at the North Pole where the kids got to sit on Santa's lap and take a picture. While at the North Pole, Santa reminded us all of the true meaning of Christmas. We then got back on the train. Instead of the Polar Express soundtrack playing, as it had been before, as song called Mary Did You Know? began to play. As the train started down the track there was a picture of Joseph with Mary on a donkey, a picture of them in the manger, and then a manger set up. All around the tracks were beautiful paintings of Christ's life.

We all had a great time and left having felt the testimony that Our Savior lives. He IS the reason for celebration at this time of year.