Advent in Narnia: Mr. and Mrs. Beaver

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020

To follow along in the book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” read chapters 7 and 8.

Dear friends—

Communion and sharing a meal with others are at the top of my “favorite” things. There is something special when you sit and share a meal and conversation with people you care about. Even sharing with strangers is an opportunity to engage in conversation and learn something new. There’s a Bible verse that comes to mind, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” ~Matthew 18:20

In our story in Narnia, Mr. Beaver finds the children in the woods and takes them to safety at his home with Mrs. Beaver. The Beaver’s prepare a meal and share it with the children. They shared a meal of fish, caught by Mr. Beaver and the boys, potatoes with butter, hot cups of tea and a “great and glorious sticky marmalade roll.” After the meal, Mr. Beaver says to the children, “Why, now we can get to business.” This conversation becomes a critical turning point, a monumental moment in the story and in the lives of the children. Mr. Beaver tells the children about the “prophecy” Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve, and the return of Aslan. An important fact to be noted is that during the meal, Edmund left, snuck-out and went to find the White Witch, he was unsatisfied with the meal, he only desired more Turkish Delight, remember at his first encounter with the White Witch and eating Turkish Delight, “the bad magic food” as C. S. Lewis calls it.

The Last Supper

Matthew 26:19-21

“So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

Matthew 26:26-28

“While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

John 13:26-31

The betrayal of Jesus, who is it? “Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. After he received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “Do quickly what you are going to do.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the common purse, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the festival”; or, that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the piece of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.”

It was the sharing in a meal and conversation that strengthened the children for their journey in Narnia and it was the same for the Disciples as they prepare for their ministry to spread the Gospel and Jesus’ love to all.

Advent and Christmas are indeed season of celebration, of sharing good food and loving conversations with those we love and with those in need of love, the Love of Jesus. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus often shared in meals with others, he was showing us how to live and love. May you experience the love of Jesus today and always~Peace!

Questions for Reflection:

• What are some ways you can make an ordinary meal more of a communion with God?

— You might consider lighting a candle

— Reflecting on moments of gratitude

— Playing special music

— Connecting with an old friend

• Is there any resentment or grief in your life that could be keeping you from receiving the hospitality of God or your loved ones? What could help you stay at the table and receive hospitality?

— I have learned over the past year that what I bring to the table is often my version of resentment and grief, I needed to be reminded that there are always two sides to every story/event. I only truly know what my experience felt like. Forgive yourself and forgive the ideas/notions of what others are feeling. Forgiveness is healing for yourself, stop carrying burdens that don’t belong to you. Life is too short, move on and move past the hurt, let healing have a fighting chance. I say these things not to forget the lessons I’ve learned or the people who I’ve hurt but in genuine sincerity that I am human, I mess up. Love and forgiveness need not be enemies.

Thank you all for your encouraging comments and your relentless support, it is noticed and appreciated. Come back tomorrow for another story of Advent in Narnia.

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/