It's a Story of the Difference a Day Can Make

Advent Devo Part 4: The Week of December 25

"Come on!" cried Mr. Beaver, who was almost dancing with delight. "Come and see! This is a nasty knock for the Witch! It looks as if her power is already crumbling."

"What do you mean, Mr. Beaver?" panted Peter as they all scrambled up the steep bank of the valley together.

"Didn’t I tell you," answered Mr. Beaver, "that she’d made it always winter and never Christmas? Didn’t I tell you? Well, just come and see!"

And then they were all at the top and did see.

It was a sledge, and it was reindeer with bells on their harness. But they were far bigger than the Witch’s reindeer, and they were not white but brown. And on the sledge sat a person whom everyone knew the moment they set eyes on him…

"I’ve come at last," said he. "She has kept me out for a long time, but I have got in at last. Aslan is on the move.The Witch’s magic is weakening."

And Lucy felt running through her that deep shiver of gladness which you only get if you are being solemn and still.

From "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", Book 2 of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis


Father Christmas’ arrival in Narnia was the first concrete evidence that Aslan was indeed on the move. Stirrings and whisperings among his true followers had been only rumors up to that point. The day that Father Christmas returned, bringing a celebration of joy and cheer to Narnians, was a special one. They knew that when Aslan, the true King of Narnia, returned, the Witch’s evil rule would soon end. The second evidence of Aslan’s return was the return of spring. It was no longer "always winter." The world changed from January to May in the space of a few hours!

Jadis realized that she was no longer in total control of the affairs and activities of Narnians. Her anger lashed out at the squirrel family and their guests for celebrating Christmas, turning them into stone. She belittled Edmund for asking for mercy for them. But most of all, she raged at the very name of her opponent, Aslan. "If either of you mentions that name again," said the Witch, "he shall be instantly killed." Irrationally, she plotted the overthrow of Aslan. It was the day that made the difference…


Daily Scripture Readings
Day One: Psalm 2, I Samuel 2:1-10, 2 Samuel 22:47-31
Day Two: Psalm 8, Joel 2:12-13, 2 Samuel 23:1-5
Day Three: Psalm 40, Joel 2:21-27, Daniel 7:10, 13-14
Day Four: Psalm 45, Joel 2:28-32, Daniel 9:1-10
Day Five: Psalm 89, Joel 3:17-21, Daniel 9:11-19
Gospel: Luke 2:1-20

Prayer
Ah, dearest Jesus, Holy Child,
make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled within my heart that it may be
a quiet chamber kept for Thee.
Welcome to earth, Thou noble Guest,
through whom even wicked men are blest! Thou comest to share our misery,
what can we render, Lord, to Thee?
My heart for very joy doth leap,
my life no more can silence keep; I too must sing,
with joyful tongue that sweetest ancient cradle song:
Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given!" While angels sing, with pious mirth,
a glad New Year to all the earth.
Amen.
A Christmas Prayer by Martin Luther


Journaling

• What difference does Christmas Day make in your life? Other than shopping, baking, huge meals, stockings and presents, is it any different than any other day of the year? We all know it should be, but the busy-ness of the day can make us forget its original intent. Re-read the Christmas story in Luke 2 and pray or write a prayer of "welcome" to the Lord Jesus into your home this week.
• Luke writes that the shepherds rejoiced with exceeding great joy. That’s not just being "happy and you know it". It’s not based on circumstances but the reality that they had seen and heard the sign that the Messiah had come. Is that joy a reality in your life today? If not, ask for it!
• The manger glows bright and clear, the very night gives out a light, darkness must not here appear, but faith remain both sure and bright. (German Advent Carol) Reflect over the past year. Has there been a "spring thaw" in your life – has some hard-fought battle been won in your heart? Thank Him! Thank God for the reality of His Presence in your life, and for the ways you have grown in your faith.

Unless otherwise noted, ©2005 by Deb Vaughn.