Tag Archives: Aslan

Advent, Devotional

The Dawn of Redeeming Light

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Read John 1:1-14

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine” (Isaiah 9:2 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of AI developed by Microsoft.

As someone who has always cherished both books and movies, I find immense joy when the two mediums come together in a meaningful and visually stunning way. My love for C.S. Lewis and his works, especially The Chronicles of Narnia, is profound. Lewis, along with his friend J.R.R. Tolkien, whose The Lord of the Rings series is another favorite of mine, has a unique way of weaving deep, spiritual truths into the fabric of fantasy. These stories are not just tales of adventure; they are rich with allegory and meaning that resonate with the themes of our faith.

In “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” Lewis introduces us to the magical world of Narnia through the eyes of four siblings: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. They discover this enchanted realm through a wardrobe in an old country house. Narnia, once a land of talking animals and mythical creatures, is trapped in an eternal winter under the tyrannical rule of the White Witch. The arrival of the children sets in motion a prophecy that signals the end of the Witch’s reign.

The theme of light overcoming darkness is central to both the Bible and this Narnian tale. In John 1:1-14, we see the profound declaration that Jesus is the Word, the Light of the world. This passage begins with the cosmic scope of creation, emphasizing that Jesus, the Word, was with God and was God from the very beginning. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

In Narnia, this light is personified by Aslan, the great lion and true king of Narnia. Aslan’s return brings hope to the oppressed Narnians, just as the coming of Christ brings hope to a world in darkness. The gradual thawing of Narnia’s winter as Aslan approaches mirrors the spiritual awakening that occurs when we encounter Christ in our lives.

One of the most powerful parallels occurs when Aslan sacrifices himself to save Edmund, who had betrayed his siblings to the White Witch. This selfless act reflects Christ’s sacrifice for humanity, paying the price for our sins. Just as Aslan rises again, breaking the “deep magic” that governs Narnia, Jesus’ resurrection conquers death and sin, offering us new life.

Isaiah 9:2 beautifully complements this theme, prophesying the coming of a great light to those living in darkness. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus, whose birth we celebrate during Advent. The imagery of light breaking through the darkness symbolizes hope and salvation, themes that are central to both the Advent season and Lewis’s beloved story.

Reflecting on these themes, we see that the light of Christ is not just a distant glow but a powerful force that changes everything it touches. John 1:14 states, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth”. This verse encapsulates the miracle of Christmas: God becoming human to live among us, bringing light and life to all.

In our own lives, we often face seasons of darkness, times when hope seems distant, and the cold grip of despair feels unrelenting. Yet, the message of Advent, echoed in the story of Narnia, is that the light has come and continues to shine. Just as the arrival of Aslan brings spring to Narnia, melting away the long winter, Christ’s presence in our lives can thaw the coldest hearts and bring new life where there was once only darkness. Friends, behold! The King has come and the cold winter of sin and death is no more. Step into the light and feel Christ’s warm embrace.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Christ’s light has the power to transform our darkest seasons into periods of growth and renewal. Embrace God’s light and let it guide you towards hope.

PRAYER
Lord, may your light shine in our hearts, melting away our fears and doubts, and bringing the warmth of your love. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.

Devotional

Cracking the Stone Table

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Read Hebrews 9:24-28

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of AI developed by Microsoft.

I have always been captivated by the works of C.S. Lewis, not only for his imaginative storytelling but also for his profound personal journey. Lewis, once a staunch atheist, experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity, becoming one of the most influential Christian thinkers of the 20th century. His journey from atheism to faith is beautifully chronicled in his autobiography, Surprised by Joy. Lewis described himself as “the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England,” yet his eventual surrender to God transformed him into a powerful Christian apologist and author.

A significant influence on Lewis’s conversion and literary career was his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien. Both were members of the Inklings, a literary discussion group at Oxford. Tolkien, a devout Catholic, played a crucial role in Lewis’s journey to faith. Their shared love for storytelling and deep discussions about faith and literature created a strong bond between them. Tolkien encouraged Lewis to write the kinds of stories they both enjoyed but found lacking in contemporary literature. This mutual encouragement led to Lewis writing The Chronicles of Narnia.

Interestingly, the inspiration for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe came to Lewis as a mental image of a faun carrying an umbrella and parcels in a snowy wood. This image grew into a story that combined elements of Christian theology with mythological and fantastical elements. While Tolkien admired Lewis’s intellect, he had reservations about The Chronicles of Narnia, particularly its blending of various mythologies and its allegorical nature, which differed from Tolkien’s approach to fantasy.

Despite these creative tensions, Lewis’s ability to distill complex theological truths into stories that even children could understand set him apart. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a profound example of this gift. The story follows the Pevensie siblings who discover the magical land of Narnia, under the spell of the White Witch. At the heart of this tale is Edmund, whose betrayal of his family serves as a poignant reminder of our own human frailty and need for redemption.

Edmund’s betrayal is a gradual process, born out of jealousy, greed, and a desire for power. Lured by the White Witch’s promises of Turkish Delight and the prospect of becoming a prince, Edmund chooses to align himself with evil. He lies to his siblings about his encounter with the Witch and denies the existence of Narnia to Lucy. His betrayal reaches its peak when he sneaks away from his siblings to join the Witch, revealing crucial information about Aslan and his family’s whereabouts.

The weight of Edmund’s betrayal is palpable. His actions not only endanger his family but also threaten the fate of Narnia itself. Yet, it is through this very act of betrayal that we witness the profound depth of Aslan’s love and sacrifice. The true king of Narnia, Aslan the lion, offers himself in Edmund’s place, mirroring Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

Aslan’s self-sacrifice and subsequent resurrection are powerful allegories of Christ’s atoning sacrifice and victory over death, as described in Hebrews 9:24-28. Just as Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary to offer himself once for all, Aslan’s sacrifice is a one-time act that brings redemption and hope to Narnia. This parallel beautifully illustrates the profound truth of Christ’s ultimate and sufficient sacrifice for our salvation. The cracking of the Stone Table, where Aslan was sacrificed, symbolizes the breaking of the old order and the ushering in of a new era of grace and redemption, much like the tearing of the temple veil at Christ’s crucifixion.

Edmund’s story reminds us that betrayal and sin are not the end. Through Aslan’s sacrifice, Edmund is forgiven and restored, much like how we are redeemed through Christ’s sacrifice. His journey from betrayer to valued member of his family and a king of Narnia illustrates the transformative power of grace and forgiveness.

Lewis’s journey from atheist to Christian apologist, his friendship with Tolkien, and his creation of Narnia all weave together to create a tapestry that reflects the deep truths of our faith. Through story, Lewis invites us to explore the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice in a way that touches both our hearts and minds. In Edmund’s betrayal and redemption, we see our own story reflected, reminding us of our need for grace and the immeasurable love of our Savior.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Christ’s sacrifice provides eternal redemption and transforms even the deepest betrayals.

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Help us to live in the light of this truth, to extend forgiveness as we have been forgiven, and to share your transformative love with others. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.