Always Winter but Never Christmas

In C.S. Lewis's classic children’s story, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," we find Peter, Susan, and Lucy standing fearful and confused in a land that is frozen and nearly lifeless. A lamppost stands somberly in the pale and windless forest. The few creatures the children do encounter live in hiding, frightened and without hope.

Mr. and Mrs. Beaver tell the kids that Narnia is under the spell of an evil despot. There is no joy and there is no peace. Narnia has become a land of despair and defeat. Every day is as if it is "always winter but never Christmas." This is the description of life under the White Witch's rule.

(AP Photo/courtesy of ORDA/Whiteface)

Suddenly, the children hear sleigh bells in the distance. At first—sure this is the sound of the witch on patrol with her legions—they hide.

But no, it’s not the witch. The driver of the sleigh is a great, glad, giant of a man dressed all in red and white. It is Father Christmas!

"I have broken through at last!” he cries. “She has kept me out for a long time, but her magic is weakening.”

Lucy and her siblings shiver with excitement. Father Christmas has come! And he not only brings presents, he brings peace. He not only offers cookies and cream, but love and compassion. He brings music and he brings a message:

“Aslan is on the move!” he shouts. The great lion, the son of the Emperor beyond the sea, has come to set all wrongs to right. “A Merry Christmas! Long live the true King!”

Today, many of us shiver as we try to shelter ourselves from the freezing winds of nightly news. Violence and suffering in the Middle East: always winter but never Christmas. San Bernardino, Roseburg, Paris, and Fort Hood: always winter but never Christmas. Islamic State, Boko Haram, and Al Qaeda; Human trafficking, sexual slavery, Islamic intolerance and magd and subjected to judicial tyranny at home: always winter but never Christmas. Political arrogance, governmental corruption, and the loss of individual liberty: always winter but never Christmas... The list seems endless.

But remember, there's better news! News of long ago when light shone on the hills of Bethlehem, and Christmas arrived in a stable under the stars.

"Do not be afraid," cries Christmas. "Winter has begun to melt away, I have broken through at last! For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior who is Christ the Lord. And the government shall be upon His shoulders and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, King of kings, Lord of lords, Lion of Judah! Of His kingdom there will be no end. He will reign with justice and righteousness forever!”

“I have broken through at last,” he shouts! “Glory to God in the highest! Peace on earth and good will toward men,” and…

“Merry Christmas!”

–

TheBlaze contributor channel supports an open discourse on a range of views. The opinions expressed in this channel are solely those of each individual author.