Advent in Narnia: Turkish Delight

Thursday, December 3rd, 2020

Hello my friends—

The companion reading is chapter 4, in “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, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” we have now met Lucy’s brother Edmund. 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.

There is a quote I remember hearing a lot when I was a kid, I can still hear the voice of my mother say…”If it seems too good to be real or true; it most likely is!”

The White Witch, she was for all intended purposes trying to gain Edmund’s trust. She simply gave him what he wished for, Turkish Delight! Now the Witch’s Turkish Delight was beyond anything Edmund had ever tasted and it even looked more delicious than any he had ever seen. Edmund could not get enough of the Turkish Delight, he loved it, he craved it but could never get his full of it. Unbeknownst to young Edmund, the White Witch had her own agenda and had tricked Edmund by giving him enchanted Turkish Delight and it caused an unhealthy and destructive sensation for Edmund. He ate and ate, never satisfied! The more he consumed it, the more he hungered for it. As time went on Edmund only desired more Turkish Delight and nothing else, he become obsessed.

We can all be armchair judges about Edmund’s behavior and probably have been at some point in our lives. It is always easier to judge the actions of another person if you’re unwilling to look at yourself first. Absolutely, Edmund made some poor decisions but let us remember he’s a child being manipulated by an adult with an agenda. A more constructive way to help others instead of judging them would be to talk with them and provide some alternatives or perhaps some sage advise about things of the world such as tunnel vision, selfishness, and addiction. And please no do forget about “Repentance and Forgiveness!”

Matthew 7:3-5

“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.”

—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 any time together whether in person or through electronic mediums it 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 these learn lessons 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?

—I miss my moms sage dressing, yeast rolls and noodles.

• 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?

—Blogging helps to sustain me and connect me with people around the globe.

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~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.inliterature.net/

https://goodnewsshared.wordpress.com/2015/11/01/daily-bible-verse-matthew-73-5/amp/