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).
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.