The Lion, the Witch, and Something I Didn't Expect

I went to see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe this weekend, which really surprises me. I'm well aware, as an education major, that the Chronicles of Narnia is a classic series of children's books, but I've never been "into" that type of fantasy literature. I started them once when I was little and never liked them. (I'm really "Type-A," so I like stories about things that are real and could actually happen.) I decided to go this weekend because "everyone else was going." (Good reason, huh?) Well, this time following the crowd turned out to be a wonderful decision on my part.

I have since read the book, for those of you who are anti "books turned into movies," and I couldn't put it down. I am enthralled by the allegory. Of course I've known the Gospel story for so long, but I began this weekend to understand more of the glorious and captivating beauty of the Suffering Servant that Jesus was--that He brought hope to a world which was trapped in a perpetual cycle of a barren and dark winter, that He defeated evil and death, and most of all, that He took my place. I am Edmund. I am the one that Satan accuses as a traitor, who, according to the law, must die. But I didn't die for my treason, and I never will. I'll never have to pay that awful price. Jesus brings me hope, not only in my redemption, but in all facets of my day-by-day existence.

It's amazing to me that something as awful as exams could come right before something so amazing and wonderful as Christmas time. I've wondered about that, especially this year. It reminds me that Jesus came to be my hope, even in the middle of hard exams. He came to set me free from all that entraps me (like my laziness and my bad grades and the information I've studied but don't really understand). The death of Jesus did more than save me from my sins; it allows me to freely enjoy everything that He died to give me, like friendships and breaks from school and food and even (hopefully) good exam grades :o) I am set free in all things because Jesus died. His death that dark Friday did THAT much for me, and even more than eternity will ever be able to tell.

Let's celebrate this Christmas. Let's celebrate the birth of the One who is our Hope--our only Hope--our Savior, and our friend. He is enough for all our weary hearts.