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In C.S. Lewis’ beloved book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, in Narnia, it is always winter and never Christmas. In that book, the bleak, barren landscape holds the fear of winter’s deprivation without the promises of Christmas provision and joy. The time of rest that comes with a natural winter has long passed, and an unnatural winter stirs fear and anxiety.
Thank you, God, that with the Incarnation, your divine power took shape and strength in human flesh. Even when Jesus was an infant, you revealed the fullness of your mercy, your provision, your joy, your closeness and understanding. No matter how inadequate, lost or overwhelmed we might feel, your love brings us to a holy place where it is always Christmas, and never winter.
Regardless of how forces that oppose God might exaggerate winter, “a child has been born for us, a son given to us” (Isaiah 9:6). With the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace, we have clarity about the nature of God’s eternal season of giving.
This message is excerpted from “Advent arrives anew.” by Julia Seymour in the November/December 2023 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate Stephen, Deacon and Martyr.