Sleigh rides, hayrides and jingle-bells add nostalgia to the Christmas season. I’ve never had the opportunity to ride in horse drawn sleighs but have climbed aboard hay covered wagons. My first hay ride was organized by a Wesleyan Methodist Church in Manlius Center, New York. I was invited by cousins and eagerly joined in.

Winter sleigh and hayrides have one thing in common; cold weather temperatures. Brr! I'll settle for Christmas journeys inside a toasty warm vehicle. Tradition (not scripture) has Mary riding a donkey and Joseph walking alongside as they traveled to Bethlehem.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:1-7 KJV).”

No jingle-bells played…

Nearby shepherds heard the voice of an angel!

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2:11-12 KJV).”

Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com
 http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php?