THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE BY

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE BY C S LEWIS

This is one of my favourite novels. Written for children, it tells the Easter story in a way they can relate to. If you haven't read it give it a try. The film is also very good. When I was a child Aslan the lion really spoke to me. I loved him. When he was sacrificed on the stone table I was devasted and cried. It hurt that this wonderful character was so brutally treated. When Aslan briefly returned I wanted him to stay for ever.

Aslan represents Jesus. He is powerful and strong. For the children he is invincible. They believe that nothing can harm him. He has been sent by the Emperor to unite the people of Narnia against the present ruler, the White Witch. The Emperor is God. The White Witch wants to overturn the governance of the Emperor, and return to the days of Deep Magic. This means cruelty, immorality, fear, viciousness, chaos and despair. To return to a time when the people did not listen to Word of God or follow his guidance for living.

Narnia is a world constantly experiencing Winter. It is accessed by walking through the back of a wardrobe into the snow. Spring never arrives. Winter is a metaphor for a world without God. Sometimes, when watching TV, going shopping, watching the news and walking in our inner cities, it feels like we are living in constant Winter. In a world with God Winter is a season to be enjoyed.

Spring follows Winter

In Narnia Spring comes after the sacrifice of Aslan by the White Witch. He willingly allows himself to be sacrificed so that the White Witch and Deep Magic will be destroyed. He has saved the people of Narnia. Now they can live according to the Emperor's guidelines.

Jesus willingly sacrificed himself at God's command so that we can experience Spring is a rebirth. It is a second chance for us to turn away from our old way of life A chance to follow God's guidelines for how we live our lives

When I saw pictures of Jesus on the cross I cried. I didn't want him to die. When I read the story of him coming back to life, I wanted him to stay for ever.

He has lived forever. He has given us who believe in the resurrection the chance to live forever too.