[DollyCali]

[DollyCali]

Elves are a very important part of the Polar Express. Each car has 5 & they wander around the car all evening adding fun & spontaneity. They serve cookies, hot cocoa along the way as well as offer elf dust, read the stories, carry banners, lead in sing along (on way BACK from North Pole). Also on the return Santa goes thru the train & stops with each child for pix & to get the last minute requests for Christmas. Mrs. Santa also is there to visit with family friends.

Elf Larry was the ringleader of fun & laughter and other elfes here were enthusiastic & endearing. This is a representative crew from CAR 3; Akron Run, December 19, 2006. One of these Elves is also a FReeper. Wheelbarrow has been an elf volunteer for 3 years now & at 81 this WW2 vet adds spirit & fun to the crew.

Elf Larry is applying angel dust to one of the riders. The magic train cannot depart until all have some angel dust applied. Not every rider however WANTS angel dust!

Elves come in all sizes & all ages. Here is a married couple that volunteers yearly.

Pretty young elves add zest to the evening

The “bell” is a significant part of the Polar Express Story

Each car has a “reader elf”. The book is available for sale in the one car that is the concession/snack bar car.

Here Elf Linda puts on nametags at start of ride

Some elves are also Park Rangers. Here is Cindy.

[I still care]

I wanted so much to see this on IMAX this year, but I am in NY for the season and all the local Imax screens seem to be carrying Happy Feet instead. My friend saw this in 3D and says it was one of the most incredible movie experiences of her life.

[DollyCali]

More pix to come later. My good buddy Murphy has assisted tremendously in this "effort". Check in throughout the four day week-end for additonal pix from the event

[Beth528]

[jaycee]

Wonderful thread.......looks like so much fun!! Thanks for your work!!!

[The Mayor]

December 22, 2006

The Joy Of Redemption

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Psalm 98

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things. —Psalm 98:1 For 30 straight Christmas seasons at the Omaha Community Playhouse, Dick Boyd never missed a performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. When he retired at the age of 83, Boyd no longer needed makeup to play the cynical, miserly old man who is transformed at Christmas. During the play, the dramatic change in Scrooge is seen in his face, in his voice, and in his generosity. The director who selected Boyd for the role in 1976 said, “Dick was the one who best captured the joy of redemption.”

Each Christmas reminds us of God’s grace shown to us in the gift of Jesus Christ, His Son. The carols of the season reflect the psalmist’s words: “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory. The Lord has made known His salvation; His righteousness He has revealed in the sight of the nations” (Ps. 98:1-2). Isaac Watts poetically expressed Psalm 98 in these enduring words:

Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing.

The evidence of God’s salvation can be seen in our faces, heard in our voices, and reflected by the works of our hands. May the joy of redemption shine through us this Christmas, and throughout the rest of the year.  David C. McCasland

You’ll have no true joy at Christmas if Christ is not in your heart.

Bible in One Year:   Micah 6-7; Revelation 13

[WVNan]

Great thread and pictures, Dolly. I loved the Christmas cookie recipe you sent me too. LOL. Just want to wish everyone a blessed Christmas. I talked to Maggie's husband this morning for about an hour. He is building a house across the way from his daughter, so he is keeping very busy. He seems to be doing okay so far, but he misses Maggie and talks about how she is still arranging everything in his life. That's not so strange. I think she arranged for me to become "Auntie" to Nattie Shea. The problem is that it's been soooooo long since I had to advise a 14 year old, I've forgotten how.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!!!!

[Aquamarine]

This opener is remarkable! Have a Merry Christmas Dolly.

[proud2beconservativeinNJ]

You're the best, Dolly. I hope Santa has something special for you.

[luvie]

The reason....















...for the season...

Music for our Troops, Veterans, and their families!!

(Please support the artists below!)

Jim Brickman~What Child is This

Placido Domingo~I Heard The Bells
On Christmas Day

Manheim Steamroller~God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Jim Brickman~O Holy Night

Keiko Matsui~Flight of the Angels

London Symphony Orchestra~Winter Carol

Manheim Steamroller~TheFirst Noel

Artist Direct.com | Amazon.com | Ticketmaster.com |
Songfacts.com | Walmart.com

[GodBlessUSA]

Magnificent thread! I'm also enjoying all your photos :)

Merry Christmas Dolly :)

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Good Afternoon FR Finest!!!

I wish all of FR Finest,their Families and all that come to visit here....

A Merry and joyous Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

[Biggirl]

Merry Christmas to all on this thread!