Sunday, December 6th, 2020

Hello my dear friends—

Happy Christmas and Merry Holiday! Wishing you a beautiful Sunday!

Mark 9:24b

“…I believe; help my unbelief!” ~

Today our story follows along in the book with chapter 5 of, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

I have been a fan of C.S.Lewis’ writings for quite some time, I love his ability to use words to transport people (me) to new and exciting places. I love the imagery one can conjure up by using imagination. Long before movies or affordable travel, people were traveling, by reading a book! Great authors have the ability to take their readers on amazing adventure to new countries and even to outer space! It sometimes boggles my mind at the faith and belief people put into science fiction books & movies but they wrestle or worse, deny the possibilities of the stories in the Bible. Some simply cannot grasp the idea that a baby was born of a virgin and some of those very people have absolutely no problem whatsoever believing in a groundhog named “Punxsutawney Phil” who nonetheless predicts the weather? Then there’s believing in the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus; I am certainly not trying to diss “Peter Rabbit” or “Kris Kringle,” they were both huge in my beloved childhood. What I am saying is, our imaginations are gifts from our Creator! I more often than not, find it quite easy to see Christian themes and enormous faith in many movie and television productions I’ve watched, one of my very favorites is “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” it is filled with imagery and storylines to encourage the belief in someone bigger and more powerful than ourselves. Check it out the two clips below!

Here’s another clip, the audio is poor but the context is good.

In the story of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” we find that Edmund has now ventured through the wardrobe by following Lucy. Lucy is so excited about what she discovers while in Narnia she can hardly wait to share her news with her two older siblings, Susan and Peter. They had become quite concerned that Lucy was going crazy or worse she was loosing her faculties. Against Peter’s wishes, Susan shares their concern with the Professor, the owner of the home they are staying with in the countryside. They were not prepared for the response they received. The Professor, simply ask “why do you not believe her?” Little did they know, the Professor knew that Lucy was telling the truth, because he, himself had been to Narnia. (The Magician’s Nephew). The Professor may have said this out loud or maybe thought it to himself, “why are Susan and Peter attached to such a narrow definition of reality? I love that phrase, “narrow definition of reality.” *To constrict ones ability to accept other means of defining something or someone or someplace, my thoughts not scientifically verified. In truth, stating that my reality is different from yours and well, different from every one else’s. We are all unique individuals, with individuals brains and all living under different circumstances and with different life choices. Sure, we share many traits and even perform the same jobs, go to the same churches, schools, clubs…etc., but have all had different experiences that have shaped us and formed within us certain ideas of life and who we are or hope to be. I may make the same amount of money as a coworker but we have different needs and responsibilities in which we spend and use the money. So what might be an abundance to one may not be to the other. Trust and faith are essential in life.

It’s easy to believe in the possible, and it’s actually quite boring. Challenge yourself and believe in the impossible. Make the unreal, a realistic reality.

I love the Bible verse written by Paul in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” 

Advent and Christmas both are seasons of imagination and wonder, I challenge you to dive in and experience all it has to offer. God was born among us to make what seems ordinary into holy and transformative things. Things that can sound strange or even a bit crazy…a virgin birth, visiting angels, shepherds and magi following a star to a dark, cold and damp stable to see a baby wrapped in rags. Use your gift of imagination and enter into God’s reality and experience the Christmas season not as a silly, childish distraction but as a radical new perspective on faith and the kingdom of God.

Below is a screenshot of a website I subscribe to and find it to be very educational, not to mention insightful. It is a beautiful reminder of all the gifts God has given to us, specifically our hearts and our minds. It is within our hearts and minds we can be transformed into the individuals God created us to be.

Questions for Reflection:

• Which of the Pevensie children are you most like? Peter, Susan, Edmund or Lucy.

—I would have to say I’m a little of Lucy and a little of Edmund.

• Are you comfortable with the similarities?

—I appreciate seeing myself in both and I want to be more like Lucy.

• Would you prefer to emulate one of the other children.

—Lucy

• Does the season of Advent strain your sense of reason?

—No for me, I believe that anything is possible with God. *My doubts fall on myself and my ability to be faithful and committed.

• How is your imagination fed during Advent?

—Through the music, children and gifts of giving and receiving.

• How is your faith affected at Advent through your imagination?

—The manager scene and the Star! It feels like I’m hearing the story for the first time each year. Oh, and Christmas lights, decorations, singing Christmas songs, watching Christmas movies…🎄🎁

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

https://mailchi.mp/abbeyofthearts/daily-nourishment-from-abbey-of-the-arts-may2-2230208?e=128ba1455f

Saturday, December 5th, 2020

Today marks the beginning of week two in the book, “Advent in Narnia.” So far we have made it through the first four chapters of C.S.Lewis’ book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and we have referenced the chapters in chronological order; however, today we will be revisiting chapters 1 and 2.

Jeremiah 1:6-8

Hello friends-

I hope you are enjoying the story lines from the novel, “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” and our verses from the “Bible” as much as I have had in writing about them. Today our story takes us back to chapters 1-2 of the novel and takes us on the journey of Lucy walking through the wardrobe and meeting Mr. Tumnus. We have learned many characteristics about Lucy and the kind of girl she is. She is adventurous, as evidenced by exploring the house and entering a room with only a wardrobe in it. Her curiosity is heightened as she opens the doors of the wardrobe and it’s filled with clothing, mostly furs and long coats. I imagine Lucy due to her age must have been short and perhaps even had to reach up to the coats as she peeks her head in the wardrobe. She was hoping to find a hiding place from her siblings in a game they were playing. Lucy displays bravery as she forges ahead further and further into the wardrobe with the coats dangling in front and above her. Lucy is quite inquisitive and when she experiences a strange sensation under her feet she was not all frightened, but eager to discover what it might be. Lucy, begins to notice that she is no longer shuffling past the furs and coats and that the wooden floor of the wardrobe has changed underfoot. She looks below at her feet only to discover snow! She turns and lifts her gaze to find herself surrounded by snow as if in a winter wonderland. Lucy sees through the trees and pines a lamppost shining brightly. As Lucy approaches the lamppost she hears a strange noise and encounters an oddly dressed person who appears to be part animal or something. The stranger is startled at Lucy and drops all the items he was carrying. It was with great hesitation, the stranger steps forward as Lucy is picking up his things and starts a conversation with him. Finally, the stranger introduces himself to Lucy, as Mr. Tumnus. This exchange was very brave of Lucy, very brave indeed!

This all reminds me of the pure curious spirit and resilience of children. In the scripture reading for today, we read about God calling Jeremiah to serve as His prophet. He shows us a different side of children’s pureness in personalities, perhaps Jeremiah was shy or lacking confidence. A much different perspective than what we know and have read about Lucy. *Reference listed below provides some insights to Jeremiah’s age at his calling. He may have been between the ages of 14-17, considerably much older than Lucy.

As our story of Advent in Narnia unfolds, we will undoubtedly come across more adventurous tales of Lucy and her siblings. I look forward to joining them on these adventures and observing more Lucy’s sense of wonder, trust and bravery. She has an inspiring spirit, a heart that is confident, kind and brave, not to mention a keen sense of wonderment, and her willingness to walk through doorways to the unknown.

Questions for Reflection:

• How has God helped you face a call or experience you didn’t feel ready for?

—I was called to a leadership role within my church and I was reluctant to answer that call. I thought that by being in a leadership position I would not be feed spiritually, at least in the manner I was used to and liked. I was so wrong!!

• How did that call or experience affect your life?

—Answering the call to be an active leader within my church blessed me beyond an expectations or fears. My heart is overflowing with the joy I receive through this and other experiences. I am spiritually feed in many more ways than I ever imagined.

• What about the Advent season most arouses your sense of wonder?

—It feels like I’m hearing the nativity story for the first time, each time. I keep a nativity in my living room year around because of the wonderment of God and precious gift given to the (me) and the world through a baby, God’s beloved, Jesus!

• What does that wonder lead you to want to explore?

—I am seeking to live into the life God created me for. Eager and curious to learn more and to read more and to be in more conversations that further the Kingdom of God.

• Are any “wardrobe doors” catching your attention right now?

—Definitely! How about you?

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/jeremiah/1-6.htm

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jeremiah-Hebrew-prophet