“This is no thaw,” said the dwarf, suddenly stopping. “This is Spring. What are we to do? Your winter has been destroyed, I tell you! This is Aslan’s doing.”
– spoken to the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
I grew up on the prairies in central Canada where Easter comes in the springtime. After a long, cold winter, the snow starts making slushy puddles. Birds chirp while melting snow drips from the eaves. Before you know it, tree branches that were cold and empty all winter start unfurling tiny new leaves. Flowers appear from the ground that was frozen solid just a short time ago. The darkness of winter retreats as the sun shines a little longer each day. Leaving your coat inside to go out in short sleeves and lift your face to a sun that actually feels warm is a balm to winter-weary souls. Easter is surrounded by images of new lambs, baby chicks, bunny rabbits and other signs of fresh life.
I live in Australia now and Easter doesn’t come in the spring down here in the Southern Hemisphere! However, that same newness, that same emerging from barrenness to life, is really what Easter is all about.
In C.S. Lewis’ classic “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” the White Witch placed Narnia under a spell that brought an endless, Christmas-less winter with no spring in sight. The creatures of Narnia helplessly endured the frozen reign of the White Witch, powerless to stand against her. Anyone who crossed the Witch found themselves turned into a stone statue. Then one ordinary day, Lucy Pevensie stepped through the back of that famous wardrobe and landed in Narnia. The arrival of Lucy and her brothers and sisters combined with the return of Aslan the lion – the King – broke the Queen’s power. Aslan breathed on the cold stone statues, restoring the life they were meant to live. Spring in all its freshness and newness returned to Narnia after the perpetual winter. It became a glorious kingdom once again.
The message of Easter is woven through the fanciful tales of Narnia, in the arrival of spring after a bleak, merciless winter. Easter is all about life breathed into cold, barren souls – souls that yearn for peace, forgiveness, freedom, hope, and love. Jesus is our Aslan, who causes wintery hearts to burst into the colour and joy of spring. Whether you live in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere, have a read through the stories of Jesus in the Bible or even pick up a copy of “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Allow Spring to take root in your heart this Easter.
Lori Schierer
Lori has been with YWAM for almost 15 years. She’s married to a sailor and is a home-schooling mom to 2 young boys! Lori is passionate about teaching the Bible and enjoys camping, cooking, and a good book.
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