Monday, December 7th, 2020

Dear friends—

Welcome to my blog space and it is my hope you experience Advent with a renewed sense of wonder this year. It has been a difficult 2020. And although this is a season of hope and happiness it is also a season of struggle for many. The greatest gift of Advent and Christmas is the free gift of salvation, made possible through the birth of Jesus. The second greatest gift is the gift of your time, talents and the generosity of your heart. Today we are reading about “becoming like children.” Have you ever watched the pure joy and excitement of a child at Christmas? It is beautiful. The innocence and gratefulness is so beautiful, you wish you could bottle it up! Jesus is talking with his disciples in Matthew 18:2-3, he is teaching them the necessity of humility, and that to be childlike was to learn from Him, to listen for instructions. *A great reference is the Matthew Henry Commentary: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/matthew/18.html

This talking of childlike makes me thing of Lucy in our readings of, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” the brave innocence of Lucy going into the wooded forest of Narnia and talking with the faun, Mr. Tumnus. Then the stark contrast of Susan and Peter’s disbelief of the wardrobe. What are you doing for yourself during this season of Advent to be more childlike?

Definition of Childlike:

• marked by innocence, trust, and ingenuousness.

• delight.

• resembling, suggesting, or appropriate to a child

• Are there things about Advent that gives you a sense of childlike feelings or emotions?

—I have loved Christmas most of my life. I love: tree decorating; shopping for the perfect gifts; wrapping presents; giving presents; seeing the beautiful lights; exchanging good tidings with friends and strangers; sharing meals with friends and family; watching the enchantment in the faces of children as they see Santa; the toy aisle in every store; holiday foods and drinks, to mention a few!

—I also look forward to singing Christmas songs, especially the ones at church describing Jesus and His birth, they transport me to my youth, an opportunity for me to revisit those precious memories of special individuals who helped shape my faith from a very young age.

There are many ways to experience the childlike emotions of Christmas, the writer of the book “Advent in Narnia” suggested the following:

• Create a “Jesse Tree,”

—I had no idea what it was and if you already know, that’s awesome. Basically, it’s a bare branch hung with symbols of stories from the Old Testament, creating a family “tree” for Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child — a Christmas prequel. The name comes from Isaiah 11:1, “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” With doing a Jesse Tree each day of Advent read a passage from the Old Testament and hang a tiny/small ornament representing it, something like a globe for creation; a whale for Jonah; or a boat for Noah.

• Collect ornaments.

—A very special friend gave me an ornament last year, it is beautiful! I left it out all year along with my manager scene, a visual for every day of the love Jesus has for me and you!

• Create traditions with friends or family or both

—Well this year has made it difficult to be together but new traditions can be created. Old ones can be slightly adjusted but most importantly is to remember the reason for the season and to simply live one another.

• Be a secret Santa to someone.

—Secret Santa can be done through the mail, send a card or note to someone, who knows you might just make their day.

Questions for Reflection:

• What do you think Jesus means by “becoming like children?

—Be trusting, open and honest.

• What childish activities do you enjoy at Advent season? If you don’t have any, do any of the suggestions listed above interest you?

—I am interested in doing the “Jesse Tree.”

• C.S.Lewis also write this, “Christ never meant that we were to remain children in intelligence: on the contrary. He told us to be not only ‘as harmless as doves’, but also ‘as wise as serpents’. He wants a child’s heart, but a grown-up’s head. He wants us to be simple, single-minded, affectionate, and teachable, as good children are; but He also wants every bit of intelligence we have to be alert at its job, and in first-class fighting trim.” What are some ways to balance a “child’s heart” and a “grown up’s head?” *https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/cs-lewis-daily/1772/11/15

—Be kind, treat others as you want to be treated, share, be fair.

Do you think Lewis succeeds in balancing the two in the book, “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe?” Why or why not?

—Short answer, YES…I love the writings of C.S.Lewis and the imagery that spins in my imagination!

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

http://www.cslewisinstitute.org/Using_Your_Head

http://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/matthew/18.html

https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/cs-lewis-daily/1772/11/15

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

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020

Matthew 3:1-6

Hello friends—

I do apologize for the late posting of today’s Advent in Narnia. Seems like I’ve come down with a “bug” or COVID-19. I was tested and hopefully it was just a precaution. So, keep the presses moving and on with our story…today we talk about REPENTANCE. The scripture passage from the Gospel of Matthew tells us the story of John the Baptist. John is preaching to the people about the repenting of one’s sins and receiving baptism by water. He tells the people of one who is coming that will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. The person is Jesus. In Narnia, we have read about Lucy and Mr. Tumnus, his evil plan to kidnap her and turn her over to the White Witch. Feeling of guilt overwhelmed Mr. Tumnus and he confesses to Lucy and decides that her kindness and extension of friendship towards him is reason enough to REPENT!

The companion reading is Chapter 2 of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”

Who knows how long Mr. Tumnus has been waiting in anticipation of meeting a human and was prepared, he thought to kidnap and turn over them over to the White Witch. He quickly realizes in his heart to do so, would be wrong—he had not anticipated the kindness of Lucy. Doing what’s right is sometimes the bravest act we can do. Mr. Tumnus must have felt relived after he told Lucy the truth and repented, it also must have been very freeing. Repenting of our mistakes and sins to God is freeing, this is also true when we seek forgiveness from individuals we have wronged. I have experienced that freeing feeling of forgiveness and it feels like a weight is literally being lifted right off your shoulders. When we carry unnecessary burdens, guilt and shame it causes much hardship and agonizing pain. That pain often goes beyond just ourselves, it has a cascading effect on all of our relationships and as a result we often push God away. It is the “sin” that separates us from God and only through sincere repentance can the relationship be healed. When I have been in the midst of these experiences I know God is still with me but my guilt distracts me and I feel like I need to keep God at a distance. Selfishly thinking I can fix or hide whatever “it” is from God. How very foolish of me, I am hurting myself and God with my stubbornness.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines REPENTANCE:

• to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life. 

Advent is a season of preparation, anticipation and waiting. We learn from the story that Mr. Tumnus had previously made an agreement with the White Witch that if he ever encountered a human child, he would hand them over to her. As the story progresses, we learn that Mr. Tumnus decides to place himself in danger by not reporting Lucy and seeks forgiveness from Lucy for wanting to cause her harm. 

During the next four weeks we will be preparing our hearts for Jesus’ birth through Hope-Peace-Joy-Love.

Some interesting correlations between John the Baptist and Mr. Tumnus: they were both hairy, wild men who lived in times of conflicts, oppression, and in need of a savior. In the book, Advent in Narnia is is described as being on or near the border of two kingdoms. Mr. Tumnus met Lucy at the border between Narnia and the Wardrobe. The people of Judea traveled to meet John at the Jordan River. John, too stood at the border between what has been/what is to comes, the Kingdom of God, through Jesus Christ. The People in the surrounding towns and villages come to the Jordan to confess their sins and to be baptized by John. This was their preparation and anticipation of the coming of Jesus, though at the time they did not fully know what that meant. The same feelings erupt when individuals realize who God is and accept Jesus as the Son of God, repent and follow Him!

Advent is a “borderland” season, the closing of one year and season and stepping into a new year. We are waiting for the birth of Jesus that we celebrate on Christmas Day and the Coming of Christ to take us home.

Questions for Reflection:

• Does Advent feel like a strange time of the year to ask for forgiveness? Why or why not?

• What ways might you pursue repentance and forgiveness in your life? A few suggestions offered are to write a letter to God; reach out to someone you have been estranged with; talk with a spiritual leader; or perhaps consider a rite of reconciliation.

Tomorrow’s companion reading is chapter 4 of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” 

~Peace & Hope~Charlotte

References:

orthodoxyforeveryone.com

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

https://www.shmoop.com/lion-witch-wardrobe/

December 1st, 2020

Hello dear friends—

Welcome to December 2020

“Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

~Matthew 9:13~

If you are following along in the book, read chapter two “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”

Lucy encounters a strange looking creature in the mysterious snow covered woods inside the wardrobe. The creature was startled at the sight of a human girl. The two introduce themselves to one another. The odd stranger is Mr. Tumnus, he cordially invites Lucy out of the cold and into his home. He offered her food and drink as she warms herself near the fire and she falls sleep. Lucy, a child is completely unaware that her new friend has malicious intentions for her. In fear of the White Witch, he plans to kidnap her and turn her over to the Witch. All Narnian’s had been warned by the Witch, if every they encountered a human she must be told and to hand them over to her. Mr. Tumnus felt quite sure that betrayal of his new friend was his only option. What Lucy’s new friend was not yet aware of was her deep sense of compassion and kindness, and her enormous bravery. After some time had passed, feelings of guilt overtook Mr. Tumnus and he became nearly inconsolable and confesses everything. Lucy reaches out to console Mr. Tumnus, even offering her own handkerchief and then quite sternly tells him he must not do this terribly horrible thing. Just imagine how brave Lucy was in this moment, after all, she had entered the forest all alone through the wardrobe. In the end, Mr. Tumnus recognizes the bond of friendship with Lucy and simply cannot kidnap her or turn her over to the White Witch. This decision indeed was a courageous act because it most definitely places him in extreme danger should the Witch ever find out about Lucy.

Things to Ponder about Advent:

• When you think of Advent what kind of things come to mind?

“In the Christian faith it is defined as a waiting period, in anticipation of the Christ child’s birth.”

• As Christians, we celebrate this season every year, what is it that makes it so special and unique each year?

The story doesn’t change, we have Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem each year, the inn is always full and they must seek shelter in a dark and damp stable…what then is there to be waiting in anticipation for…

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I cannot provide answer for you and your life; however, I would like to share mine.

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The beauty of the Advent/Christmas story is indeed the same each year, it is me (and you) that is different each year. I’m so thankful for the gift of salvation that came in the form of a pure and innocent baby, fully human and fully divine. I’m thankful for the grace and mercy that is extended to me and for the forgiveness of my sins. These things would not be possible if Jesus were never born. I love the imagery of a solid and firm foundation that the manger serves in my life. I keep my manger scene out all year long to always be mindful of God’s love for me. Each year brings new challenges, joys and circumstances and they allow me to experience Advent in a new way. Each year and season offers renewed hope through the waiting in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Advent is reconnecting with the baby in the manger, a time of prayer, repentance and renewing of my faith. Stripping away all the cumbersome and pointless things I have accumulated and placed upon myself. These things cause a sense of separation between me and Jesus, things like…guilt, greed, punishment, neglect, fear, sin, competition, pride, pressure, just to mention a few. Jesus is always present for me, He has never left me alone, even though at times I try to push Him away or when I try to runaway from Him. No matter what…His love remains. I know that I am loved, it is my own judgmental flaws, my sense of right/wrong that tends to cloud my mind/spirit from time to time.

You are so loved and with an everlasting love that only Jesus can provide.

The book, “Advent in Narnia” offered these questions to contemplate:

• Has there been a time in your life when you felt like you were doing the right thing but in actuality you ended hurting someone or betrayed someone?

—This is a tough question for me because I have hurt people that I cared deeply for. I never set out to cause hurt but I did and it was messy and it was because I was unable to be honest. Honesty can hurt but in the end it’s better than lying and trying to cover it up. Some of those relationships have healed but trust is not easily regained.

• What would it mean to consider mistakes you’ve made, believing that God is both just and merciful? Does it make is easier to offer up your mistakes and sins or harder?

—I have to say it’s hard because I don’t like to be a disappointment to myself or anyone else and especially to God, I know that God loves me and forgives me when I earnestly seek his forgiveness but it is hard. I think if forgiveness was easy people would do it more easily and more often. I would not want the acts of sinning to become too routine and comfortable nor would I want asking for forgiveness to numbing, with no feeling or emotion involved.

• Which is harder for you: confronting others when they’ve hurt you or to be merciful to them? Do you know why?

—I have been a bit of both, I like to live passionately. I’ve had to learn what battles are worth the fight and which are better to surrender. I try to practice mercy because in return I would like the same. I’ve learned that being revengeful and holding onto hurt in the end causes me way more pain than my intended recipient. Although, I do appreciate compromise and a good debate. I like the idea of agreeing to disagree as long as there is mutual respect for one another. Everyone should have a voice and afforded the opportunity to be heard. Long story but my final answer is to be merciful!

Thank you for joining me in this journey through Advent and the magical world of Narnia.

~Peace~Charlotte

References:

https://biblehub.com/