The Christmas Train
Christmas comes at you fast. As a youngster, it seemed to take forever to get here. Now, the Santa holding a chalkboard on our counter shows 0 DAYS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS before I know it. This year, we put up our tree two weeks before Christmas, the latest I can remember. The outside wreaths went up on the 15th.
The light rail train reminds me of Christmas. Passengers love that it gets them from point A to point B quickly. It speeds along as drivers stop at all the crossroads, submitting themselves to the schedule of the system.
Christmas is coming on December 25th whether we’re ready or not. We have to prepare in the days leading up to that Christmas if we want to be ready.
On the day I took this photo, I walked along the rail corridor sidewalk, taking pictures. The power displayed by the trains as they whooshed by was amazing. But, if you look closely, you’ll see the operator looking back at me. He was probably wondering why I was taking pictures of his train, and by default, him.
Even though the train, as part of the system, barrels from station to station, the operator has to remain calm and attentive to all that’s going on around him, including some guy taking pictures along the corridor.
Look what Paul tells us in Colossians 3:12 and 13.
“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”
Those words sound like great advice as we hit some of the most stressful moments of the season. Making sure the food is right, accommodations are perfect, gift expectations are met, and that everyone is having fun. No small feat!
Let’s see how a train operator’s job duties line up with living through the last few days leading up to Christmas.
A train operator drives and controls rail-guided public transportation to transport passengers.
Have you considered your role in driving passengers along your Christmas season journey? How about your family? No matter your role, father, mother, child, uncle, or niece, you have a part in carrying those in your circle. How you carry yourself affects the trip they take with you. Are you cheerful or grumpy? You have the authority to choose, no matter what’s going on around you, to bring joyfulness or discontent, showing kindness and humility.
A train operator monitors lights indicating obstructions or other trains and watches for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards.
Do you consider what is going on around you as much as you consider yourself during Christmas? While you’re doing all you can to enjoy the holidays, think about what may be going on in the lives of others. Is there a need you can meet? Does someone need a hug? Can you go out of your way, just a little, to make a huge impact for a friend? This is the perfect time to put on a heart of compassion.
A train operator reports delays, mechanical problems, and emergencies to supervisors or dispatchers, using radios.
The holidays can bring drama to the family. You may find yourself in a situation where one family member has a problem with another family member (hopefully you’re not one of them). Do you have a role in mediating a dispute? I’ll share what I’ve seen work in our family. Be an encourager! You don’t have to insert yourself into the problem. You don’t have to defend anyone, take sides, or make excuses. Simply encourage everyone.
Or, better yet, follow God’s command, given to us through Paul: forgive someone if needed.
A train operator makes announcements to passengers, such as notifications of upcoming stops or schedule delays.
Making announcements happened to be the last item on the train operator job duty list, but for Christmas, it should be the first. Sharing the Christmas message, that God sent His Son as our salvation is the most important role of all. Celebrate family. Enjoy special foods. Appreciate tradition. Have fun! But, above all, share the joy of Christ through everything you do. After all—say it with me—He is the reason for the season! One awesome way of doing this is by living a life aligned with Colossians 3:12-13.
I pray everyone has a Merry Christmas and the joy and hope of Jesus our Savior fills your holiday season.
Rail operator job description from https://www.owlguru.com/career/subway-and-streetcar-operators/job-description/
