Today I’ll continue my look at the Biblical truths in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis.
As we discussed the last time, Lucy has gotten into Narnia by herself. At first her brothers and sister don’t believe her, but then they finally step through the wardrobe themselves. When they finally get into the frozen land of Narnia, they encounter some wonderful helpers among the residents. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver take Peter, Susan, and Lucy under their wing, because they know that the White Witch is looking for them to kill them. This is the witch who has all of Narnia held under an evil enchantment that makes it always winter, and never Christmas.
But the animal residents of Narnia know of an ancient prophecy that says when two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve come from another world, they will defeat the witch and break her hold on the land, and then they will rule over Narnia as kings and queens. Now there are four Pevensie children, but unfortunately Edmund, the younger brother, succumbs to the evil temptations of the witch and sneaks away from his family to join her. So the Beavers figure they’d better help the other three to escape to a place of safety. And while they’re on the run through the frozen land, something wonderful happens.
Father Christmas breaks through the witch’s barriers and finds them. They’re literally hiding in a dark hole in the ground when he finds them, and cheers them with news that the Aslan, the Great Lion, the king over all kings, is on the move in Narnia – the witch’s rule is nearing an end. And Father Christmas gives them gifts – swords, and bows and arrows, and a medicine to heal wounds, and a wonderful warm pot of tea, but mostly he brings them hope.
Imagine – always winter, and never Christmas. A frigid, frozen life. No celebrations to break up the harsh, bitter decades-long winter. No hope of escape from the witch’s rule.
The people of God went through such a time. From 37 b.c. to 4 b.c. they were ruled by one of the most ruthless and tyrannical kings ever. Herod was a master of cruelty and intrigue. He could slaughter infants and murder his own wife and sons without batting an eye. The Jewish people were horribly oppressed under his rule. And then –
...Jesus of Bethlehem was born in Bethlehem in Judea during the time of King Herod. (Matthew 2:1)
The cruel Herod was in control when God entered history as a tender, helpless baby. There’s a poem that has become a hymn called In the bleak mid-winter. The first verse goes like this:
During the days of King Herod, our Savior was born. And even now - it is in the “bleak midwinter” of personal failure, and heartbreak, and disappointment, that Jesus delights to encounter us today. In the frosty darkness of emptiness and hopelessness, Christ comes to us and brings light.
So that was the situation in Narnia when Father Christmas arrived bearing gifts – gifts that equip and enable, that warm, and cheer, and heal, and hearten Peter, Susan, Lucy, and the beavers.
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. (Song of Solomon 2:11-12)
The meaning of Father Christmas’ appearance in Narnia is a message of hope. The dark times are over. A Savior has come, and His light conquers all darkness.
Note: While I was researching my Narnia talk, I really enjoyed reading Finding God in the Land of Narnia by Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware. If you enjoying delving into the truths in the Narnia books, I encourage you to read this book!
Biblical Fiction
Sweet Intrigue
