Today is the first day of my blog series, “Advent in Narnia” Reflections for the Season by Heidi Havetkamp.
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” ~Luke 13:24 (ESV)
If you have never read, C.S.Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia,” I highly recommend them. They are not simply fir children. The Chronological order of the books are as follows:
Publication Order
The books were originally published in this order:
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- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950)
- Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia (1951)
- The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
- The Silver Chair (1953)
- The Horse and His Boy (1954)
- The Magician’s Nephew (1955)
- The Last Battle (1956)
Chronological Order
Sometime after the death of C. S. Lewis, British editions of the books began appearing that were numbered according to the order the stories take place:
1. The Magician’s Nephew
2. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
3. The Horse and His Boy
4. Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia
5. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
6. The Silver Chair
7. The Last Battle
These books focus on the life of four children, two boys and two girls. Their parents send them away to live in the country, placed in the care of two adult caretakers to escape the bombings of World War II. As the story goes, Lucy the youngest wonders into a room with a large wardrobe, being inquisitive as most youngsters are, she opens the wardrobe door and steps in. To her surprise, she walks past many fur coats, I imagine they were hanging about waist high. As Lucy presses on, shoving costs side to side, she begins to feel cold and something underfoot. All of a sudden, she’s no longer in the wardrobe but in a forest with freshly fallen snow and a lamppost.
Have you ever found yourself in a place where your not exactly sure where you are, metaphorically or literally?
Advent can be a season of wondering and finding, when we are open to the Holy Spirit. Much like Lucy, let’s be open to where the path leads us. Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus and the return of Jesus.
The Advent and Christmas Season (Santa and gift exchange) can both be celebrated together. Celebrate the joys of giving gifts and receiving gifts, gifts from the heart are always priceless. Give of your time and talents, they are more valuable than gold or silver. No matter what your traditions may be, be intentional with all of them. Seek to serve those in need, this season is a great opportunity to be the literal hands and feet of Jesus in a world that screams for “Peace on earth, Good Will towards all.”
I am committed to this Advent Season, not because I’m ready but because I’m willing. Being a Christian does not mean all your days will be perfect, it means you never have to face them alone. I hope you will join me for the next four weeks as I share thoughts of Advent and my journey.
Questions to ponder:
Do you have traditions or preparations regarding Advent that are most meaningful to you?
Do they reveal something about Jesus to you?
Do you have any thoughts about Luke 13:24? Specially, the imagery of Jesus as the “narrow door?” It’s been said that some see the narrow door as an escape from the individual that are different from ourselves or an opportunity to place ourselves up on a pedestal as more special than others. What if…we see the door as an invitation and not a barrier to separate ourselves.
We are all God’s children and we are all special to Him. So special in fact, that were created with a purpose and a plan. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Psalm 139:13-14 You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother. I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this.
Here’s some music from the soundtrack “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”
~Peace~
References:
HOPE SEEKER 
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