A few weeks ago I went to see “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” at the cinema and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the third film to be made from the C.S. Lewis Narnia stories. Although these books are primarily aimed at children, they contain profound truths about faith for readers of all ages. With the brilliance of modern 3D technology, the film expertly contrasted the differences between good and evil, light and darkness and the choices we are free to make. I found the monsters, the temptations and the all pervading air of evil very frightening, whereas the children I’ve spoken to about it seemed to cope very well! In one scene Lucy is tempted to look into a mirror and desire to see a more beautiful vision of herself. The implication is that she has no intrinsic value. It reminded me strongly of Simon’s talk where he invited us to look at our reflections and realise God loves us just as we are with all our blemishes and faults.
The Bible notes which I was using at the time of my cinema visit were focused on Revelations, particularly chapters 15, 16 and 17. They are full of profoundly disturbing imagery and made me feel very threatened. But my huge comfort can be summed up in the prayer of Hank and Cathy Potts (authors the study notes): “Our Father, thank you for the bowl of wrath you poured out on Jesus at Calvary, allowing us to go free. Amen.” The price has been paid. We are safe in God’s loving arms where no evil can hurt or harm us.
As we begin this New Year we should hug ourselves with joy: the waiting is over; the baby has been born; the light has come to dispel the darkness. Emanuel is here.
God bless, Jackie.
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