Amidst the hustle and bustle of travel, shopping, food preparation, and other projects, the end of each year is also a season of remembrance and reflection; a time of sharing and giving of ourselves. More than football games, holiday TV dramas, and gatherings, it’s an opportunity to connect with family, friends, and others.
Over two thousand years ago, a young couple, largely unnoticed by the rest of the world, huddled in a dark, dirty, and drafty barn. Roughly ninety miles from their home in Nazareth, Mary and Joseph were tired from travel and in real need of rest. The pangs of childbirth were increasing and the stable near the inn at Bethlehem was certainly not a place of preference. Nonetheless, it was the only option they had. As the unwed, teenage girl gave birth, it would have been easy to have struggled with the uncertainty of the moment. It wasn’t long, though, before shepherds arrived to take in the sight of the newborn child.
Imagine that scene. A poor, seemingly unimportant couple, perhaps feeling alone and isolated from the rest of the world were reminded that the child in the feed trough was the prophesied Savior, Emmanuel (God with Us). What an incredible thought! In an instant, things changed. Hope loomed, confidence was bolstered, and a new direction was given. Scripture tells us that when the shepherds shared the message from the angel, Mary “treasured up all these things...” (Luke 2:19)
So many folks reading this blog have wheeled treasures and other cherished possessions. Our prayer is that each person knows the value they personally have with Emmanuel. He is the reason we're able to look beyond our own failures and weaknesses, knowing that a great future awaits.
If you haven’t reached out before, please do. We’d enjoy hearing from you and learning what wheeled history you have or are interested in. Ultimately, it’s a privilege to share so much about America’s early transportation industry with others. Even so, the excitement of a finding a lost set of wheels pales in comparison to the promise of a fresh start in Life. This Christmas, we pray the blessing of the Lord on you and your family. Thank you for checking in each week. We wish you a safe and memorable close to 2024 and a wonderful 2025.
Merry Christmas!
David & Tonya