When Aslan Is On The Move
"It’s always winter but never Christmas. It seems this curse just can’t be lifted. Yet in the midst of all this ice and snow our hearts stay warm ‘cause they are filled with hope.” – Relient K, In Like A Lion (Always Winter)
Hello Dear Friend,
The 16th of December was the day that had me feeling as if I had crossed through the wardrobe and into the magical land of Narnia whenever I stepped outside. Lets just say that the scene I stumbled into wasn’t quite the same as when Lucy Pevensie first visits Aslan’s land. Nope, mine was more when the world of Narnia is beginning to find freedom from the cold dark wintery curse cast by the evil witch and the ice and snow begins to thaw and melt away. The world is no longer being held captive or condemned as her power weakens and Father Christmas is finally free to come for a visit. Carrying with him offerings of encouragement and hope for a new and free Narnia as he hands out gifts to the Pevensie children that will serve them well in the coming days.
Christmas was only nine days out when Mother Nature sent us a treacherous gift in the form of an ice storm. Being such the lover of the Chronicles of Narnia that I am, I’m not ashamed to say that my mind immediately wandered into the fairytale land that C.S. Lewis created and every time I ventured into that icy winter’s day I could hear Beaver whispering to me, “Aslan is on the move!”
Christmas was the following week and the world was eagerly looking for Father Christmas’ (Santa) arrival as anticipation heightened, expectations grew and the promise of the approaching New Year filled everyone's hearts with hope. I was coming at things a bit differently since I had gotten into the Advent season this Christmas more than I ever had in the past and so my thoughts throughout the holidays looked a little different. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still into the gift giving (and receiving), the sweet and savory junk food, the movies, the music, precious moments creating special memories with loved ones, and all the rest of the commercialized hype surrounding the holiday. But furthermore, I’m also very much into celebrating the real reason for the season – the birth of the Savior for all mankind and the One true King of the world.
I know that many are feeling stuck at the moment, myself included. Most of us seem to be experiencing more trials of defeat than celebrated triumphs. We’re heartbroken, we’re tired, our strength is failing and we’re falling prey to the folly of depression. We look around at the world only to see how dark and grim it is these days. Seemingly overrun with evil, one would assume that darkness has overturned the light.
Although the 12 days of Christmas concluded this week remember dear friend there is hope! Don’t forget the true meaning of Christmas is and always will be the celebration of the anticipated coming of Jesus and the long awaited coming of the Messiah. When He journeyed from heaven to earth He cast a light on this dark and lonely world. Satan has been trying to snuff out the light of Jesus ever since that one fine day. But do you know what? Every attempt to dim Jesus’ light has resulted in failure. Death couldn’t take Jesus and the pit of hell couldn’t hold Him. His light can’t be overcome. Even in your darkest hours Jesus' light shines brighter than the sun. Even as you trek through this world’s greatest tempests never forget that God is with you. He is here, working in your life and orchestrating all those things; the people, the crap, everything meant to bring you harm – He is using all of it as instruments and tools to create something grand for your life. Never forget who is the author of your story and foundation of your faith.
“’They say Aslan is on the move - perhaps has already landed.’… None of the children knew who Aslan was any more than you do; but the moment Beaver had spoken these words everyone felt quite different.” – C.S. Lewis, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Aslan is on the move! The words ring through my head in a jubilant song as it translates the thrill and the hope of promised truth – God is on the move! The Comforter has come! Let this broken world rejoice! Let her receive her King! Let this anxious mind receive peace, this exhausted body find rest and this weary soul forever find reason to sing out praises to its Savior and King!
With love,
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