Thursday, December 17th, 2020

Hello friends—

Today our story in Narnia continues with chapter 9.

As our story continues, we last talked about Edmund sneaking out at dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Beaver. Edmund is mad at Peter and is craving Turkish Delight. Edmund leaves in such a rush, he forgets his coat. He’s to proud to return and retrieve it so he pushes onward to the Witch’s Castle. Edmund is dreaming of what the castle will be like, he was even picturing himself surrounded by luxury, power, and sweet revenge against his family. What he finds is a courtyard filled with frozen creatures and one ferocious wolf that almost has Edmund for dinner. The inside of the castle is cold, dark and quite gloomy. The White Witch is not at all pleased with Edmund that he came alone, and he receives no Turkish Delight, instead a stale piece of bread and a scolding from the Witch. C.S.Lewis captures the Witch’s house as this: a house is a castle, but no palace; it’s a dim, cold storage locker of statues with only one lamp illuminating the Witch and nothing else. It sounds like a completely dreadful place to be! It’s make one wonder why the White Witch lives like this (?), is it a statement (?), is she feeling something or does she feel anything at all; well, except for hate and revenge for all of Narnia. A writer, James Baldwin wrote, “I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.” Perhaps this is why Edmund seemed to like the Witch, a commonality with hate and dissatisfaction(?). The White Witch was so cruel and filled with so much vile hate, she destroyed her own kingdom and killed her sister rather than accept defeat.

Pain is part of the human experience. Without pain, no one could fully understand joy. God never promised to remove our pain, He promised to be with us in our pain. Jesus has experienced human pain, He willingly was born of flesh and blood, he experienced pain, rage, and rejection, He was crucified. So, there is no need for us to be afraid of pain, danger, or even death. In Christ Jesus, God pitches His tent (no castle) in our midst and is called Emmanuel—“God with us!”

Matthew 1:23

“Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

“No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”

Matthew Henry’s Commentary: 1 Corinthians 10:13

But to this word of caution he adds a word of comfort, 1 Cor. 10:13. Though it is displeasing to God for us to presume, it is not pleasing to him for us to despair. If the former be a great sin, the latter is far from being innocent. Though we must fear and take heed lest we fall, yet should we not be terrified and amazed; for either our trials will be proportioned to our strength, or strength will be supplied in proportion to our temptations. We live indeed in a tempting world, where we are compassed about with snares. Every place, condition, relation, employment, and enjoyment, abounds with them; yet what comfort may we fetch from such a passage! For, 1. “No temptation,” says the apostle, “hath yet taken you, but such as is common to man, what is human; that is, such as you may expect from men of such principles as heathens, and such power; or else such as is common to mankind in the present state; or else such as the spirit and resolution of mere men may bear you through.” Note, The trials of common Christians are but common trials: others have the like burdens and the like temptations; what they bear up under, and break through, we may also. 2. God is faithful. Though Satan be a deceiver, God is true. Men may be false, and the world may be false; but God is faithful, and our strength and security are in him. He keepeth his covenant, and will never disappoint the filial hope and trust of his children. 3. He is wise as well as faithful, and will proportion our burden to our strength. He will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able. He knows what we can bear, and what we can bear up against; and he will, in his wise providence, either proportion our temptations to our strength or make us able to grapple with them. He will take care that we be not overcome, if we rely upon him, and resolve to approve ourselves faithful to him. We need not perplex ourselves with the difficulties in our way when God will take care that they shall not be too great for us to encounter, especially. 4. When he will make them to issue well. He will make a way to escape, either the trial itself, or at least the mischief of it. There is no valley so dark but he can find a way through it, no affliction so grievous but he can prevent, or remove, or enable us to support it, and in the end overrule it to our advantage. *Reference below

Questions for Reflection:

• In what other ways is the Witch’s house similar to the nature of her rule?

— Cold, not personal, unfriendly

• Are there ways you over-insulate yourself from harm or danger? Are there valuable experiences or relationships you might be missing as a result of this?

— Probably; most likely. Honestly, I do try to get out of my comfort zone, life is more challenging these days with COVID-19, but I am open to where God may be leading me.

• Is there someone in your life on whom you often focus blame or even hatred? Where does this blame or hate lead you?

— I have learned some very painful lessons in life, it’s not the mistakes we make that we should remember but the lessons we learn through the experience. None of us are perfect, it’s ok to hold people accountable but make sure you can also measure up to the same level you place on others.

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/matthew-henry/1Cor.10.6-1Cor.10.14

Wednesday, December 16th, 2020

Have you ever wondered what the Disciples thought when Jesus prayed at the Passover meal saying the words recorded in Matthew 26:26-28; Jesus “take and eat, this is my body; drink from the cup, this is my blood of the covenant. C.S.Lewis write this regarding these words of Jesus, “I don’t know and can’t imagine what the disciples understood our Lord to mean when, His body still unbroken and His blood unshed, He handed them the bread and wine, saying they were His body and blood”; and yet, “the command, after all, was Take; eat: not Take, understand.” *Reference below.

This was the truest of meals, not a metaphor, Jesus was completely human and completely God.

Maybe Lewis chose Aslan in our story because as a Lion he was big and strong; formidable creature of the wild; and sometimes eats humans(!). Both Jesus and Aslan are real, powerful, not just imaginary. Jesus is the true light, not simply a beam of light, Jesus is the wind not a puff of air.

As we continue our journey in Narnia and to the manger in the stable, let us also remember that Jesus was born human, to a human mother; he had a physical birth and a physical death. Just as the disciples may not have fully understood the words of Jesus, as we sometimes do not, and yet, Jesus is always present and offers Himself to each of us.

• Come follow me, Jesus is calling.

• Take; eat.

Blessings to you my dear friends, wishing you all the wonders this Advent Season has to offer.

Questions for Reflection:

• Have you ever experienced a Communion liturgy in the Advent season or on Christmas Eve? How did it feel to you? What connections or disconnects did you experience?

• Is it important for you to feel that you understand what Communion (or Eucharist) means? Why or why not?

• What makes Jesus feel physically real to you? Does that matter to your faith?

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

*C.S.Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer, (New York: Harcourt, Brace, and World, 1964), 104.

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/

Monday, December 14, 2020

During the season of Advent we read about Angels and Messengers of God to Mary, Joseph, Zechariah and the Shepherds. C.S.Lewis in his Narnia stories does not use angels but he indeed makes use of messengers. Being a fan of Lewis, I love the imagery and relationships of the animals in Narnia as they relate to Aslan. And, in our world, how God uses others humans and Angels as His messengers.

The word “angel” in Hebrew and Greek is the same as the word for messenger.

Our story yesterday revealed a messenger for the children new to Narnia, a Robin who lead them to safety. Previously, we learned that the Beavers too were messengers, they helped the children to safety and explained the Aslan prophecy of the Sons of Adam and Daughter’s of Eve. I believe in Angels and messengers from God, I have experienced them. I have learned that trusting is all about taking that one first step forward. Mary trusted the Angel Gabriel, she had no idea what the future would hold but she loved God and knew of His goodness. Please be aware and mindful of God’s messengers in and around your life, whether they arrive in the form of birds, friends, or a glorious heavenly host!

Questions for Reflection:

• Have you ever had a feeling you’d been visited by an angel? What made you feel that way? Did you ever tell anyone else?

— I have often felt a strong presence when in familiar places that I had spent time with my mom. My mom died unexpectedly in 2012, the void remains but the pain has changed. I have two very specific memories of the last time I saw my mom alive…sitting in my blue car and the hug & kiss from her saying goodbye after a visit in the parking lot near where I live, two days before she passed.

• Have you ever felt God leading you in a direction you didn’t expect? What were the messengers or clues that signaled this to you? Did you end up following in that unexpected path or not? Why or why not?

— Yes! I was lead to become a more active member of my church, I was reluctant at first. It is difficult to put into words but simply answering yes, filled my heart like nothing had before. I am involved with two very special women’s group at my church, they support me and encourage me in ways I never expected. The groups are JULIETS and Esther’s Circle, a band of women, who are God’s angels and messengers to me and many more. My “yes” lead me to be an Elder, Bible Study leader, Christmas party coordinator, and Sunday school teacher. The COVID-19 Pandemic has made it extremely difficult to stay connected but we do our best.

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Malak: Messenger, Sent One, ANGEL

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Angels,-As-God~s-Messengers

Sunday, December 13th, 3020

Happy Sunday Friends—

Photo: Fountain County Indiana

Our story today follows along in chapter 6 of, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

In the story today, the children learn that Mr. Tumnus has been arrested. This news greatly concerned the children, it was during the quietness of this terrible news a Robin captures the attention of Lucy. The Robin it seems was trying to get the children to follow him through the forest. All of the children, well except for Edmund seemed eager to trust the Robin. Edmund tries to get Peter to agree with him and not follow but the older brother doesn’t give into Edmund. It was 3 against 1 in trusting the Robin. But Edmund had his own reasons for not wanting to trust the Robin, his secret about meeting the White Witch. It was Edmund’s encounter with the White Witch that had clouded his judgment and I’m sure he would love to have more Turkish Delight. Edmund was filled with fear and greed, fearful that his siblings would find out about his meeting and greedy because of what the White Witch could give him. Each sibling has brought with them their own set of experiences into Narnia and each has a different perspective based upon their life experiences.

What about Advent (?), we all come to the manger during this season every year. We, too all come from different life experiences and though we all seek the baby Jesus, and what we receive is as unique as we are. Many of you can relate to the phrase, “Life is a series of choices.” Too often, we simplify the phrase as meaning “good choices and bad choices.” What about something a bit more radical, choosing between two good choices (?), bad need not be part of the equation. Below are just a few ideas, there are millions more…

• Should I go sit with a friend or go to a party with another friend?

• Should I go to a Bible study or go help out at the local food bank.

• Should I read a book or watch a movie.

These are all examples of “good” things to choose from, it is our life experiences that helps to guide us to make the best good decision. Whether simplistic or monumental, serious or not, what we are deciding is who we will be and where we will place our trust. There is not a “right” decision in choosing whether to put your trust in book, a party or a Bible study, except in your own heart. In our book, the children must decide whether to follow Aslan or the White Witch, in our lives we must decide to follow God or not. Just as the Robin lead the children to safety in Narnia, God is leading and guiding us on our journey along with the Holy Spirit. God gave us an inner voice and previous experiences to help us make the right choices and to trust the right people. Plus, we have communities and loved ones to assist us when we are having feelings of uncertainty.

On a personal note, I feel enormously blessed to have my blogging community, my church family, my personal family, my work family, my housing community and so many others in my life.

Some interesting facts about Robin’s:

• Robin symbolism is linked to death as well as the arrival of spring and rebirth.

• They are also found near residential areas, and that shows that they are comfortable with humans.

• The Robin’s song is easy to recognize: it is sweet, melodious, and also wistful and melancholy – it symbolizes hope, rebirth, and also danger.

• Native Americans believed that all birds are messengers of the Gods and Goddesses. They honored most birds and regarded them as spirit guides. The robin is no different. The Natives believed robin sign of an angel as well as ‘relationship’ birds.

• Native Americans believed their message was about family, courtship, home, and the loving heart. Robins are not high fliers. They stick close to the ground. They live close to where humans live.

Questions for Reflection:

• Make a list of what you feel you “ought” to do this Advent and a list of what you “want” to do. What are the motivations behind the two lists? If they are out of balance, how could you better balance them?

• What signs, feelings, or urgings do you trust or follow when making serious decisions in your life?

— Prayer

— Advice from trusted friends/colleagues

— Sound research

— Previous experiences

— Experiences of others

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Robin Symbolism & Meaning (+Totem, Spirit & Omens)

Saturday, December 12th, 2020

Hello and welcome—

Night Sky 2015 Avon, IN

Sneaking around(?), does that sound like Jesus? What about Christmas and Santa Claus? Or, the Pevensie children playing “hide & seek,” sneaking around in the Professor’s house. Strange things to think about during the advent season for sure.

Christmas/Santa Claus/Gifts:

— I will admit there’s a fair share of “sneaking” during these activities. I love to be a gift giver especially at Christmas. It so much fun to give gifts that are personal, as I try to do. Parents will wrap and place presents under the tree on Christmas Eve to promote Santa for as long as possible, both for themselves and their children. The wonder and anticipation in a child’s eyes, no one ever wishes that to go away. This kind of sneaking is fun, playful and positive.

— The Pevensie children playing a game of hide & seek, is a fun game most of us played during our childhood. It is also an example of fun, playful and positive.

— What about our scripture verse today, Jesus coming back as a thief in the night; sneaking(?). Does this sound or feel scary to you? As a kid, I can remember hearing sermons on Jesus second coming and they scared me for many reasons. Now that I am older and have spent some time understanding the scriptures a little bit more it is still scary but for different reasons. I also am excited knowing that I will be in Heaven with God. It is scary knowing that many still do not know God and that He loves them. I saw a movie when I was in high school and the memories and emotions from that film still scare me. I don’t recall the name but it was taken from the perspective of being left behind after Jesus’ return. I know now that it is God’s desire that we all accept him as our Lord and Savior. The scriptures go on to tell us that only God the Father knows of when Jesus will return, “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” ~Matthew 24:36

In our story of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” we definitely have some sneaking around going on…

• Edmund sneaks into the Wardrobe to follow Lucy.

• Mr. Tumnus tries to be sneaky and kidnap Lucy but regrets that decision and sneaks her back to the lamppost so she can return to the Wardrobe.

• Edmund sneaks out from dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Beavers to go the the White Witch’s Castle.

• The Beavers, Peter, Susan and Lucy must sneak through caves to evade the White Witch.

• Asian, stays out of sight, sneaks to get around until he chooses to emerge for Narnian’s to see him.

Being sneaky can be used for good and evil, choose wisely. The writer, Heidi Haverkamp said this on page 35, “The powers of evil and sin are sneaky, too. Why shouldn’t Christ also sneak about with secrecy and care to trick and overturn the plans and powers of spiritual forces that seek to hurt and destroy? Or do some skulking around in the crawlspaces and locked draws of our souls and bodies, where he might be able to free us from some of our sin and shame?”

Questions for Reflection:

• What is frightening for you when you imagine Christ’s second coming? What would be alarming? What would be a relief?

— It’s frightening because people I love may not be going to heaven. It’s alarming that it will be too late for regrets for some. I have no inclination as to relief, since I don’t know what I will feel at that moment. It would be nice if we were to feel some relief now on earth, stop hating, stop competing to the Battle of the Religions. We need Hope, Love, Joy and Peace; these are the words of Advent and my prayer for 2021.

• Are there ways you’ve noticed Christ’s grace trying to “sneak” into your life lately?

—Most definitely, I don’t normally refer to it as sneaking, it’s more that I can see and relate to God no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I see God is Science Fiction movies; I hear God through the voices on the radio; I meet God in the grocery store and coffee shops…I may not always notice Him but I know He’s always there.

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

The Lions World by Rowan Williams

Friday, December 11, 2020

—Hello

Welcome to another day of Advent in Narnia.

Genesis 3:21, 23-24

“And the Lord God made garments of skins for the man and for his wife, and clothed them— therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man; and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim, and a sword flaming and turning to guard the way to the tree of life.”

Have you ever thought of the creation story as being part of the Christmas story? I had not until I read today’s Advent in Narnia entry titled, “Adam and Eve” then it made perfect sense. Our story, yours and mine begin with God and will ultimately end with God, all that remains is with whom & where we will spend eternity. The story of Adam and Eve is an ancient story and a popular story even among nonbelievers. As Christians this is a story about being human. The fall of man, sin committed in the Garden caused a separation from God. God was disappointed and rightfully angry that Adam and Eve could not follow a simple command. God’s disappointment and anger did not make Him stop loving them, God’s love is not conditional with our actions. Even though God sent Adam and Eve out the Garden, the paradise they were created in and from, God clothed them before closing the gates to the Garden. I’m not sure we, as the human race have progressed much since the ousting from the Garden, Eve blamed the serpent, Adam blamed Eve, and today, don’t we see the same behaviors in one another. Taking responsibility is the right move to made but it is also the hardest. I think oftentimes people don’t trust that God’s love will continue. Jesus’ birth was to bring good news and glad tidings to a lost world. He came because He loves us, every single living thing. We are His creation, we are His beloved.

Adam and Eve, a Christmas story. Medieval Christians honored Adam and Eve as the father and mother of all people and commemorated their story on December 24, the day before Christmas. Churches would have town-wide mystery plays of Creation, Adam and Eve, and the Nativity along with other stories to commemorate the day and teach the story of salvation. *For further information about this click the following link: https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Adam+and+Eve+Day

Switching storylines, to Narnia and the four Pevensie children, we can draw some connections and maybe even parallels from the Garden and the Wardrobe:

—God gave Adam and Eve clothes as they left paradise to a new place

—The children find fur coats as the enter a new land called Narnia.

—Adam and Eve faced dangers they had never experienced, working the ground; the very soil from which Adam had been created. They had to wear clothing which was new, they had no need of them before sin happened. Adam and Eve needed to learn and grow.

—Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy had coats that were too big for them, they needed to grow into them. Each child will learn and grow while in Narnia and eventually become new people, the Kings and Queens of Narnia.

Many generations have lived on the far side of paradise and as I mentioned earlier we still do not do a very good job of following God’s commandments. Even still, God loves us.

Isaiah 9:6

“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us.

Questions for Reflection:

• Medieval Christians saw Adam and Eve & Jesus and Mary as matched pairs. Adam and Eve brought death to humanity; Jesus and Mary brought life. Are there some other ways you might compare and contrast them?

• The story of the Fall is one of the most well known in the Bible. Why do you think this is? Does the story of the Fall speak to your life?

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Adam+and+Eve+Day

Thursday, December 10th, 2020

Hello dear friends—

To follow along in the book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” please read chapter 6.

Baruch 5:1-2 (NRSVCE)

The Book of Baruch can be found in the Apocrypha [apocrypha] and in the Old Testament for Catholics. *Additional references listed below.

“Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God. Put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from God; put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting.”

Our Narnia story in chapter 6 tells us of all four Pevensie children walking into the wardrobe and into the snowy woods of Narnia. Susan, being the responsible girl, suggests that everyone grab a fur coat to wear since it is cold and snow covered in Narnia. Advent is a season of preparation. We all have our own ideas of what our preparation looks like. Some will fill their homes with sweet scents of the holiday, others will decorate with silver and gold with splashes of red and green. Other will hang stockings and other will hang the mistletoe. We may choose to listen to beautiful Christmas music or be entertained by holiday movies that touch our very souls. Family continue with old traditions and create new ones too. We share of our time and talents with friends, family and those in need. Just as Christ came for all, to save us all, should we not extend the same to others(?). This Advent season is about giving and receiving, not in the amount of money we spend or the size of the gifts we give…our gifts no matter the size or value is of no consequence if it is not given from LOVE! Love is and will always be the most important thing, Jesus came to be born out of LOVE, He died for us all out of LOVE, He forgives out of LOVE, and He’s coming again because of LOVE.

As we prepare for this Advent season be mindful of preparation, do not let it distract you from living and participating in the season. Susan could have over prepared for entering Narnia by packing clothing, food and survival gear to face the unknown but the coats were enough, their other needs were provided for by the Narnian’s they met along their journey. God does the same for us, stepping out in faith, prepared but following the call. The Bible tells us of many stories of God providing for His people; the children of Israel in the wilderness, God supplied them fresh manna from Heaven every day, and fresh water. Protected Daniel in the lions den. Even after Adam and Eve sinned, God still provide them with garments to wear. God is Good, God is always GOOD!

Questions for Reflection:

• Reflect on a time when God unexpectedly provided what you needed, especially if you were not even aware of the need.

—I have received money in the mail that I had completely forgotten about just in time to pay an unexpected bill.

—I have received an email with just the Bible verse I needed to hear during difficult times.

—I met a stranger who has become the friend, mentor and teacher, I didn’t know I needed and now I am forever changed and grateful.

• How is God providing what you need this Advent?

—Relationships with friends and family, staying in contact without being in contact with due to COVID-19.

• Is there something on your to-do-list that you can let go of, having faith that God will provide for you?

—Just because it used to always be a certain way doesn’t mean it can’t change into something new and perhaps even better.

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Book-of-Baruch

https://www.biblestudytools.com/apocrypha/kjva/

Wednesday, December 9th, 2020

Hello friends—

Mark 13:24-27, 35-37

“But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.”

In the book, “Advent in Narnia” the writer talks about this season of watching and waiting in two directions. The first, we are watching and waiting for the birth of Jesus, as the wisemen and shepherds did so long ago. Secondly, as Christians we are also watching and waiting for Christ to return. These two events are and will be drastically different, the baby Jesus arrives sweetly in a humble stable surrounded by pure love. The Bible tells us that Christ’s return will be will have power, earthquakes, angels and judgment. As we look at the Narnia story we find that the inhabitants of Narnia are waiting and longing for Aslan’s rerun for a very long time. The expectation is contagious to all hopeful Narnian’s and to the Pevensie children, eventually.

Below are Bible references from the Old and New Testament about Jesus’ birth and His second coming.

Daniel 7:1-28 ESV

Revelation 19:11-21 ESV

Questions for Reflection:

• What are ways you can “keep awake” to justice this Advent? You might consider choosing a particular cause that speaks to your heart, praying for the people involved, or donating to a related charity.

• What are ways you can “keep awake” to hope? You might consider making a list of things you worry about and writing next to each worry a hope you see for change and healing.

• What are ways you can “keep awake” to love? You might consider prayerfully picturing yourself, a loved one, or even someone you consider an enemy, surrounded by a warm light of love and grace.

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

Daniel 7:1-28 ESV

Revelation 19:11-21 ESV

Tuesday, December 8th, 2020

Hello friends—

Please accept my apologies for my late posting of today’s advent material. I had a bout with writers block and needed some rest. Reading for today is from chapter 5 of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

Today, we will be discussing Edmund, he is one of Lucy’s older brothers. He is often getting poked at by his older siblings, Peter and Susan. Edmund also does his fair share of poking at his younger sister Lucy. Edmund often feels left out or left behind and unappreciated causing him to lash out at others. In my own personal life, I have found that it is to those we care the most for, that we hurt the most severely. I’m sure there’s some physiological reasoning behind that but I’m not skilled to present that case. So far in the Narnia story Edmund has managed all alone to cause great fear throughout all of Narnia not to mention the safety of his siblings. Edmund, lies and betrays Lucy, and when he is found out his recourse is to plot revenge. I too, find that I have had thoughts and actions just as Edmund. Not that I’m proudly telling you this, but sharing my personal struggles with you. None of us are perfect, no not one. Sin is sin! There’s a saying I learned from a friend, “naming and claiming” and that’s exactly what I’m doing. When we admit out loud things we are sorry for and are remorseful about the power they have over us is lifted. Carrying such burdens are cumbersome and unnecessary. Healing and forgiveness can only occur after we release their hold on us. Try the ARF approach:

1. Admission (self, others, God)

2. Repentance (self, others, God)

3. Forgiveness (self, others, God)

Romans 5:6-8

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.”

Edmund does not realize the error of his ways (actions), until it’s too late. He finds himself in the castle of the White Witch and only then does he see clearly the ramifications of his actions and ultimate decision. Edmund was clearly guilty of dishonesty, selfishness and betrayal. Human. Each of us has a bit of Edmund inside us, as in the book, we are the sons and daughters of Adam. And, in the Bible, we are all descendants of Adam and Eve and of Abraham, all created by God for His glory. We are all human, just like Edmund and regardless of what we’ve done the prophet Isaiah wrote these words, “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6. Then in the New Testament in the Gospel of Luke we read these words, “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.”Luke 3:8 (ESV)

Acts 17:26-28

“From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’”

Questions for Reflection:

• What are some ways that you identify with Edmund? Do you see in yourself his desire for revenge, his anger, his loneliness and his feeling of being unlikeable?

—Honestly, I do relate to Edmund. What I have learned is that I need to like myself if I ever hope for others to like me. I try to foster the feelings I long for in my relationships with others. My friends and family are very precious to me and I spend time getting to know them and the things they enjoy, this is definitely something I do in a reciprocal manner. I consider myself wealthy in friends, and I have a close inner circle of friends I share my deepest thoughts with, they are priceless individuals who have seen my at worst and continue to love and support me. God is good, God is indeed Good All The Time! 🙏🏻🤍

• Have you ever betrayed someone you loved? What happened? Have you experienced reconciliation, either with the person or with God?

—I have and it still hurts today. I have completed the ARF (Admission/Repentance/Forgiven). Broken relationships take time to heal and often they are never the same. Rebuilding trust is a gradual process and honesty indeed is paramount. My best advice is to trust God and follow your heart. I’ve met some extraordinary people in my life and I thought we would be friends forever, some have but others, well I have a heart filled with their memories.

• Part of preparing our hearts for the coming of the Christ Child is reflecting on our past mistakes, betrayals and sins. Write a letter to God confessing some of your most difficult wrongdoing. If you carry an especially difficult sin on your heart, consider asking to meet with your pastor or priest or religious leader. Perhaps seek the rite of reconciliation if that is something your faith tradition makes provisions for.

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com/