End of Winter, Signs of Hope

It is Always Winter, Never Christmas

Can you imagine a world that is cold, dark and living in bondage to an evil ruler without hope? That is the beginning state of affairs in the land of Narnia that C.S.Lewis created in “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe”.  I love the allegories in this story. What if there was no Christmas because Jesus had never come?  There would be no “thrill of hope for a weary world to rejoice”.  There would be no real hope for our fears and failures. But He did come as a humble baby, lived as a human man and experienced everything we do.

Matthew 4:16 (ESV)   the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.

Isaiah 42:7  to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

 

The Promise of Spring

Just like the allegory of Narnia, Aslan had come and eternal winter was thawing.  Their journey takes them to the true King where they kneel and ask for His help.  Aslan confronts the White Witch who holds claim to Edmond’s life for his sin and he offers to take Edmonds place.  Just as Jesus willingly laid down His life for us. Satan must have cheered too when Jesus said, “It is finished” not understanding that the ultimate sacrifice was paid for all of our sin. When Jesus broke free from  death and the tomb our freedom for eternity was secured.  But the next step was “to set the captives free”.  We are free from the eternal penalty of sin when we choose to follow him and he gives us new life.

Romans 5:8,9    but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

Galatians 5:1   For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

2 Corinthians 5:17   Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

 

The Battle is Real

Three of the children had met Father Christmas who told  them that the King was on the move and winter was ending. There was hope for Narnia. He presented the children with gifts that are not toys but weapons they will need to battle against the Witch. As he leaves he wishes them a Merry Christmas because Aslan (Jesus) has come to restore Narnia.

Our battle with sin and temptation is still very real but God has given us His Holy Spirit and other tools to use.

1 Peter 5:8   Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Ephesians 6:10–11   Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

 

The Victory of Easter

As we prepare our hearts during Lent we should recognize not only the sacrifice paid for our sin but the eternal hope of heaven. So often we feel hopeless because of circumstances. We get trapped by what people say and by our feelings rather than facts. We can and should be living in victory because we serve a powerful risen Saviour.

1 Corinthians 15:3b–5   : that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

1 Peter 1:3–4      Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

Hebrews 6:19–20    We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever

Our winter is almost over too. Christ promised to return and I believe it may be soon. If we kneel and yield our hearts and lives to Christ He will forgive our sin, fill us with His Spirit and provide the tools needed to fight temptation and live victorious in this world.

Faith is the Victory  hymn by John Henry Yates

2. His banner over us is love,
Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints above
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith they, like a whirlwind’s breath,
Swept on o’er ev’ry field;
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield. [Chorus]

Chorus:
Faith is the victory! (Faith is the victory!)
Faith is the victory! (Faith is the victory!)
Oh, glorious victory
That overcomes the world.