OPINION:
In C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” there is a scene where we find the children standing fearful and confused in a land that is frozen and nearly lifeless. A lamppost stands somberly in a windless forest that is blanketed with snow and the few creatures the children do encounter are frightened and paranoid.
By way of explanation, the beavers tell the kids that Narnia is under the spell of an evil witch. Every day is as if it is “always winter but never Christmas.” This is the dreadful description of life under the White Witch’s rule.
Then the children hear sleigh bells. At first, they are sure this is the sound of the witch’s return and they hide.
But no, it’s not the witch. The driver of the sleigh is a giant of a man dressed all in red and white. It is Father Christmas.
“I have broken through at last,” he says. “She has kept me out for a long time, but her magic is weakening. Aslan is on the move! A merry Christmas! Long live the true King!”
Today, do you shiver as you try to shelter yourself from the freezing winds of nightly news? North Korea and Kim Jong-un: Always winter but never Christmas. Syria, Iraq and Iran: Always winter but never Christmas. Tax policy and national debt: Always winter and never Christmas. Microaggressions and trigger warnings: Always winter but never Christmas. Climate change and energy policy: Always winter but never Christmas. Sex scandals too numerous to count: Always winter but never Christmas.
Social media and fake news: Always winter but never Christmas. Racial tension and distrust: Always winter but never Christmas. Drug addiction and pervasive pornography: Always winter but never Christmas. ISIS and the beheading of Christians, Boko Haram and the enslaving of children, international sex trafficking, Islamic intolerance, Shariah oppression, Russian collusion, political arrogance, government corruption, partisan bickering, congressional hubris and religious hypocrisy: Always winter but never Christmas This list seems endless.
But, remember there’s better news. News of long ago when a light shined on the hills of Bethlehem and Christmas arrived in a stable under the stars.
“Do not be afraid,” cries Christmas. “She has kept me out for a long time, but her magic is weakening. Winter has begun to melt away, I have broken through at last. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a savior who is Christ the Lord. And the government shall be upon His shoulders and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, King of kings and Lord of lords! Of His peace, there will be no end. He will reign over His kingdom with justice and righteousness forever!”
Glory to God in the highest! Peace on earth and good will toward all men. The Lion of Judah — The Lamb of God — The Alpha and Omega — The Beginning and The End — The Great “I Am” — The Light to All Mankind — The Word Made Flesh and Dwelling Among Us — The Babe from Bethlehem, is on the move!
Long live the true King!
And Merry Christmas!
• Everett Piper, president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, is the author of “Not A Day Care: The Devastating Consequences of Abandoning Truth” (Regnery 2017).
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