Companion reading is chapter 4, “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”
– Isaiah 55:2a
“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?”
In the book, we have now met Lucy’s brother Edmund and he is now in Narnia after following Lucy through the wardrobe. Edmund quickly finds himself alone, cold and hungry. He is quickly seen by the White Witch and she takes keen advantage of the situation.
This passage reminds me of a saying I heard a lot when I was a kid, “If it seems too good to be real or true; it most likely is!”
The White Witch, gave Edmund what he wished for, Turkish Delight! Not just any Turkish Delight either, this was by far the best he had ever tasted and he loved it, loved it so much he could never get his full of it. But, the White Witch having her own agenda tricked Edmund by giving him something that was enchanted and caused an unhealthy and destructive sensation for Edmund. He ate and was never satisfied, the more he ate, the more he craved it. Edmund got to the point that Edmund did not want or desire any other foods.
From the surface, we might look at Edmund and pass some judgment upon him or offer some aged advise about a number of things from tunnel vision, selfishness, even addiction. It’s always seems easier to find the faults in others than in ourselves.
“Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.” ~Matthew 7:3-5
Are there things in your world trying to convince you of certain expectations during this season of Advent? Things telling you that in order to have a happy Christmas you must do this or that? Family traditions and making beautiful memories are indeed part of the Advent season, a note of cautionary advise: traditions can be modified and time together is always memorable, breathe and allow the Holy Spirit to awaken your yearnings and desires for HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE! Feed your soul and your body for eternal life. We can all learn from Edmund.
Questions for Reflection:
• Is there a Christmas food that you are craving this season, does it offer an illusion of fun, fantasy, happiness or joy?
• What truly sustains you during the Advent season. Perhaps make a list and then from that list look deeper, does it increase your stress level or decrease it? What might you change on your list? From your list, is God the focal point or just background?
• Things to consider that can increase your joy during this Christmas season. Let go of expectations; let go of grudges, choose joy in all your preparations. Fill your thoughts with “God is Love” or “Come, Lord Jesus,” instead of “Hurry! Hurry!” Or “Just, Get It Done!”
~Peace~
References:
https://goodnewsshared.wordpress.com/2015/11/01/daily-bible-verse-matthew-73-5/amp/
HOPE SEEKER 
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