The Untamed Jesus
Pastor Shawn Robinson
I love reading stories to my kids. Unfortunately, now that they are older (our youngest just became a teenager this past week!), we don't read together quite as often, but every now and then we dust off a "classic" we have all loved together.
We recently began re-reading "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe", C.S. Lewis' story of Narnia, a magical land ruled by the mighty king Aslan. This great and powerful lion not only loves his people, but he willingly gives his life in exchange for their freedom.
It's interesting to me that I always seem drawn back to this book at Christmas time. It's not necessarily a "Christmas story", but it certainly carries the same theme. This story is more than an unbelievable fairy tale, it reveals a much deeper truth about the true king and savior of our souls, Jesus Christ. Just as Aslan breaks into history to declare His presence and love for His people, so Jesus was born into this world so we could tangibly see God "in the flesh" and know of His great love for us. Just as Aslan gives his life as a sacrifice for one who has done wrong, so Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice on the cross so we might be set free from our own captivity of sin. Just as Aslan breaks the power of the white witch, so Jesus breaks the power of satan.
My favorite scene in the Narnia book is when the children meet the great lion for the first time. They are rather worried about meeting this incredible king face to face so they ask the Beavers (key characters, but ask me some other time why they are talking to animals) about him.-"Who is Aslan?" Asked Susan. "Aslan?" said Mr. Beaver. "Why don't you know? He's the King. He's the Lord of the whole wood."Is-is he a man?" Asked Lucy. "Aslan a man!" said Mr. Beaver sternly. "Certainly not. I tell you he is the king of the wood and the son of the great Emporer-Beyond-the Sea. Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion-the Lion, the Great Lion..."Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy. "Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
The true story of Christmas invites us to join the adventure of the ages, as you meet this wild and untamed savior, whose roar will shake the very foundations of heaven and earth with His love. Following Jesus is not safe, nor was life meant to be-but oh, how He is good! Uncertainty and joy, adventure and freedom. Joy and Peace. This is what Christmas is all about. This is why the angels proclaimed, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
Merry Christmas! Long live the king!
Your Pastor,
Shawn
You're Invited!
To a special private screening of "Narnia," based on the classic books by C.S. Lewis.
Saturday, December 10th, 2pm @ the Concord Brendan Theater
Tickets available for $7 at our Downtown Clayton offices.