It's a Story of Love

Advent Devo Part 3: The Week of December 18

"They say Aslan in on the move – perhaps may have already landed," [said Mr. Beaver.]
And now a very curious thing happened. None of the children knew who Aslan was any more than you do; but the moment the Beaver had spoken these words, everyone felt quite different… At the name of Aslan, each one of the children felt something jump in its inside. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt suddenly brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delicious smell or some delightful strain of music had just floated by her. And Lucy got the feeling you have when you wake up in the morning and realize that it is the beginning of the holidays or the beginning of summer.

…Aslan stood in the center of a crowd of creatures who had grouped themselves round him in the shape of a half-moon. …And next to Aslan stood two leopards, one of whom carried his crown and the other his standard.

But as for Aslan himself, the Beavers and the children didn’t know what to do or say when they saw him. People who have not been in Narnia sometimes think that a thing cannot be good and terrible at the same time.

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


Aslan...

The very name of the son of the Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea brought life and freedom to the Land of Narnia. It evoked emotions of joy and peace, of tranquility and beauty. Even though Narnia was caught in the snares of the White Witch, there was an unforced response to his name. Beyond all possible logic, his name made them respond from the depths of their hearts. These unguarded places showed their true attitudes, especially Edmund’s, who knew he was not on Aslan’s ‘side’.

Aslan brought the children more than safety and security; he showed them complete, unreserved love. The love shone from his eyes; it resounded in his roar. It enveloped them in the warmth of his furry mane and protected them from their enemies. They felt as though they had always loved him, and that he had always loved them. They could not help but love someone who loved them and knew them so well!


Daily Scripture Readings

Day One: Psalm 130, Isaiah 2:2-5, I John 1:1-10
Day Two: Psalm 133, Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7, I John 2:1-17
Day Three: Psalm 136, Isaiah 11:1-12, I John 3:1-10
Day Four: Psalm 138, Jeremiah 23:3-10, I John 3:11-24
Day Five: Psalm 139, Micah 7:18-20, I John 4:7-21
Gospel: Luke 1:5-56


Prayer
Breathe in me O Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy;
Act in me O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy;
Draw my heart O Holy Spirit,
that I love but what is holy;
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy;
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
that I always may be holy.
Amen.
St. Augustine of Hippo

Journaling

• Hymns, choruses and praise songs have been written over the years to express the lyricist’s love for the Lord Jesus. Try writing your own ‘love song’ to Him. If you are stuck for words, start with one of the Psalms in this week’s Scripture readings.
• The love of family and friends can get us through many rough spots in our lives. Consider that even though Edmund was a ‘traitor’, his brother and sisters still wanted to search for him at the risk of their own lives. This kind of love was expressed in the I John passages we read this week. Ask God for the heart of Christ, that it would be reflected in the ways you respond to and serve your family, your Church and your community.
• What is your heart’s response to God? Are you emboldened like Peter, inspired like Susan, joyous like Lucy, or secretly terrified like Edmund? You can’t hide your true heart from God. The Psalmist encourages us to trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8)

Unless otherwise noted, (c) 2005 by Deb Vaughn