The chronicles of Narnia were written by C.S.Lewis, a Professor of Mediaeval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge. He was an outstanding and popular lecturer who had a lasting influence on his pupils. For many years he was an ardent atheist, but through the influence of Christian friends, such as J.R. Tolkien (The author of The Lord of the Rings trilogy) Lewis became a Christian at the age of 32. He had to his own great surprise come to the intellectual conclusion that there was a God and Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ, in essence, he came to believe that the message of Christianity was correct and true. Lewis said of his conversion that 'I was perhaps the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England.'

Both Tolkien and Lewis were frustrated with the fantasy literature of their time. They decided the only way they could read the sort of books they wanted, was to write them themselves. Both Tolkien and Lewis wrote the Christian story in fantasy form. It is a sad fact that in contemporary society, many people, especially young people, will watch films or read books such as 'The Lord of the Rings etc' or 'The Chronicles of Narnia' without realizing that they are watching the Christian Faith being expressed in allegorical forms. But, that is what you will be doing if you watch the new Hollywood film, Narnia. As so much of the Christian symbolism and message in this film may pass many people by, my article this month will briefly explain the symbolism and Christian message behind the film.

Lewis tells the story of Narnia, a land discovered by accident by four children rummaging around in an old wardrobe. They meet various characters and soon discover Narnia is a land oppressed by a white witch who keeps the land perpetually covered in white snow, an endless winter. (Narnia is this world, the witch is the supernatural evil intelligence that the Bible states is at work in this world)

In the midst of this land stands her castle, within which many of the inhabitants of the land have been imprisoned as stone statues. (Human beings are not aware who they really are and cannot of themselves escape the deception of this supernatural intelligence who has imprisoned their knowledge.)

We soon discover that she rules Narnia not as a matter of right, but by stealth and deception. (The ancient fallen angels we call demons, which the Bible teaches are ancient powers from another world that have imbedded themselves into this world of humans and work unseen and secretly against us as a race.)

Aslan advances into Narnia, winter gives way to spring and the snow begins to melt. (The Teaching of Jesus of Nazareth which has shaped history and still marvels the greatest minds today.)

The white witch realizes her power is beginning to fade. (Christ taught the truth set people free from the deception of the ancient spiritual powers) So, much to the shock and dismay of the followers of Aslan, she devises a plan that succeeds, she kills Aslan. (The crucifixion of Christ.) The forces of evil and darkness appear to have won a terrible victory and goodness has been conquered by evil, light by darkness. (As the early disciples initially believed.)

Yet, in that victory, also lies their ultimate defeat. Aslan breaks free from the chains of death, breaks into the witches castle, breathes on the statues and restores them to life before leading the liberated army through the shattered gates of the once great fortress to freedom. Hell, the witches castle, has been despoiled and its inhabitants set free from their eternal imprisonment. (The resurrection of Christ and the offer of eternal life to all who believe and receive.)

In the story of Narnia, Aslan is really Christ, crucified by the powers of darkness, but rising from death to liberate humanity from their separation from the God who created them and from the deceptive work of the ancient spiritual powers seeking to rule humanity for their own purposes. Through faith in Christ, you can experience God and liberation. In The Chronicles of Narnia, the Christian story that has been told through the centuries, is being retold by Hollywood in film fashion, and that my friends, is a good thing indeed. Have a great Christmas and go and watch this exciting film.