Living the Joy of the
SeasonScripture References: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98
Advent begins for the northern half of the world
during the darkest, bleakest time of year – winter – a time of short days,
dreary weather, and restless waiting…
In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis tells us how young Lucy Pevensie discovers entry to the mythical land of Narnia through the back of a wardrobe. Narnia is an intriguing, somber, snow-covered place inhabited by talking animals and creatures who endure a dismal existence because Narnia is under the powerful spell of the white witch. It is a place, Lucy is told, “where it is always winter and never Christmas.” It is a place without joy, without warmth, without reason for celebration.
Yet the citizens of Narnia are not without hope. They await the arrival of Aslan, the great lion, who alone is able to break the power of the white witch and her hold of eternal winter. They have heard the prophecy; they know the signs heralding Aslan’s arrival; they cling to the hope the prophecy will soon be fulfilled. Then, a messenger, Father Christmas, arrives with the joyous news that Aslan has come!
Aslan’s presence begins the weakening of the power of the white witch. Christmas arrives and Narnia begins to celebrate. Spring begins. Ice and snow dissolve. As Aslan moves through the land, grass and wildflowers explode with new life; the sun breaks through the overcast sky; the sea reverberates with the sound of its waves once again rushing to meet the shore.
This season of Advent we await the coming of Christ – in quiet anticipation; we contemplate the birth of the One who brings life and meaning to all we are, to all we do. May we give thanks for Jesus Christ, God’s Holy Child, given to us to break the power of the eternal winter of our souls and bring joy to our lives.
Gracious Father, renew in us the warmth of Christmas joy through the love of Jesus Christ. Bring us to the manger with eager hearts and willing spirits. Let us kneel in loving worship. Send us forth in loving service to share the Good News that our LORD has arrived and His light has overcome the darkness of our world. Amen.
Linda SummersTo leave a comment for the author, go to www.JMAdvent.blogspot.com
In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, C. S. Lewis tells us how young Lucy Pevensie discovers entry to the mythical land of Narnia through the back of a wardrobe. Narnia is an intriguing, somber, snow-covered place inhabited by talking animals and creatures who endure a dismal existence because Narnia is under the powerful spell of the white witch. It is a place, Lucy is told, “where it is always winter and never Christmas.” It is a place without joy, without warmth, without reason for celebration.
Yet the citizens of Narnia are not without hope. They await the arrival of Aslan, the great lion, who alone is able to break the power of the white witch and her hold of eternal winter. They have heard the prophecy; they know the signs heralding Aslan’s arrival; they cling to the hope the prophecy will soon be fulfilled. Then, a messenger, Father Christmas, arrives with the joyous news that Aslan has come!
Aslan’s presence begins the weakening of the power of the white witch. Christmas arrives and Narnia begins to celebrate. Spring begins. Ice and snow dissolve. As Aslan moves through the land, grass and wildflowers explode with new life; the sun breaks through the overcast sky; the sea reverberates with the sound of its waves once again rushing to meet the shore.
This season of Advent we await the coming of Christ – in quiet anticipation; we contemplate the birth of the One who brings life and meaning to all we are, to all we do. May we give thanks for Jesus Christ, God’s Holy Child, given to us to break the power of the eternal winter of our souls and bring joy to our lives.
Gracious Father, renew in us the warmth of Christmas joy through the love of Jesus Christ. Bring us to the manger with eager hearts and willing spirits. Let us kneel in loving worship. Send us forth in loving service to share the Good News that our LORD has arrived and His light has overcome the darkness of our world. Amen.
Linda SummersTo leave a comment for the author, go to www.JMAdvent.blogspot.com
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