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Narnian Advent Retreat

In the Image of God “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

― C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe


In the Image of God

Aslan is a well known metaphor for Christ. We see him creating Narnia with his breath, giving himself up in place of humanity, rising again and defeating evil.

Aslan is depicted as a talking lion, the King of Beasts, son of the Emperor-Over-the-Sea, the king of Narnia; a wise, compassionate, magical authority (both temporal and spiritual); mysterious and benevolent guide to the human children who visit; guardian and saviour of Narnia.

Throughout the series, it is stated that Aslan is "not a tame lion", since, despite his gentle and loving nature, he is powerful and can be dangerous.

Reflect on the list of character traits…

Which of these traits do you recognise in yourself?

Which do you want more of in the coming year?

Are there other character traits of God you feel are important? (you can add them to the list using the post its)


In the Image of God

Eternal

Good

Gracious

Holy

Unchanging

Comforting

Infinite

Loving

Mysterious

Trinitarian

Righteous

Truth

Wise

Faithful

Merciful

Just

Peaceful


In the Image of God

PRAYER

I am made in the image and likeness of God. I am created and sustained by the breath of God. I am held in the palm of God’s hand.I am loved by God with an everlasting love. I am made by the God of vision whose plans for me are of fullness not harm, who gives me a future and hope. I am created by God to live a life worthy of my vocation. I am held by God in whom I live and move and have my being. I am loved by the God who sent his only Son so that I might not die but have eternal life. I am made a new creation in Christ. I am created to be a living sacrifice of praise. I am held together by my brothers and sisters, one Body in Christ. I am made as God’s work of art.

Amen


Guidance

The Beavers help to guide the Pevensie children through the new and mysterious world of Narnia. They guide the children physically, emotionally and in some ways spiritually as they prepare to meet Aslan.

Reflect on the guides in your life. They might be teachers, mentors, clergy, managers, colleagues, family, directors, friends, leaders….

What guidance are you grateful for in the last church year?

What do you want guidance for in he next church year?

Perhaps the Beavers in Narnia are a metaphor of the Holy Spirit.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

John 16:13Prayer

Lord, you promised that when I seek You with all our heart, I will find You. I seek only after You.

I give you all the anxieties and fears I feel inside, I release them all to You. I seek only after You.

I open up my life like an open book, may You write in it Your words of inspiration and direction. I seek only after You.


Temptation

“There he told them, ‘Pray that

you will not give in to

temptation’.”

Luke 22:40


Temptation

It’s tempting (see what I did there?) at the end of the year to give into the cultural norms of consumerism, greed, gluttony and extravagance.

But Christmas is not the end of the year for us, it’s the beginning. We have over 3 weeks of preparation in advent before celebrating the birth of Christ in human form.

If we reflect on Advent and Christmas as the start of something, perhaps it might trigger a different response to the many temptations that the season brings?

Reflect on the temptations you may have fallen into during the last church year.

Prayer

Lord God,we have sinned against you;we have done evil in your sight.We are sorry and repent.Have mercy on us according to your love.Wash away our wrongdoing and cleanse us from our sin.Renew a right spirit within usand restore us to the joy of your salvation,through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

God says that we are made whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7) and his grace abounds! Have a piece of Turkish Delight (if you haven’t already), it’s not falling into temptation, it’s a gift – just like God’s grace.


Temptation

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13)

What are the character traits that help us to resist temptation?

Perhaps the fruits of the spirit are a good starting point…

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Are there practical things we can do during Advent and Christmas to help keep the focus on Christ?

Suggestions: Daily meditation (there’s a great centering prayer app) Use Ignatius’ examen at the end of the day Have a nativity set somewhere prominent Watch the BBCs Nativity film, it’s awesome Please add your own suggestions using the post its!

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Cor. 10:13)


Waiting

If we’re not careful, every day between Halloween and December 25th becomes Christmas. We focus on making sure the food is ready, the cards are sent, and the presents are bought and wrapped. We prepare the house for Christmas, but we don’t stop to think about how to prepare ourselves for Christmas.

Sometimes, waiting is like a game. It’s fun. Exciting.

Sometimes, waiting is a chore. It’s demanding. Requires effort.

Sometimes, waiting is agonizing. Terrifying. Earth-shattering.

Whatever your experiences of waiting have been, advent is an opportunity to focus, to quieten our hearts, to prepare. As we wait for the moment when we hear;

“Unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given. And upon his shoulders, dominion rests.” (Isaiah 9:6)

How can we make best use of the advent season not only to prepare our homes but to prepare our hearts?

Obviously attending this retreat is a good start – how will you take the stillness into the rest of the season as the hustle and bustle of the season hits?

What truths are you going to hold onto / focus on as you wait for the coming of the Christ child?


Expectation

“They say Aslan is on the move…”

The Beavers are expectant for what is going to happen in Narnia.

The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival" and, when used in conjunction with Christmas, reminds us of the anticipation and expectation held over hundreds of years by the people of Israel for their Messiah and promised King.

However, we can all appreciate and embrace another significance in this season of Advent. This Church season is also a prime opportunity to affirm the promise of Jesus that just as He came once, He would one day in the future return to the earth as Sovereign Ruler.

"This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11).

Are you expectant? Expectant for the arrival of Christ on Christmas morning but also expectant of the second coming?


Gifts

In ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’, The Pevensie children are given gifts, ‘tools of their destiny’ by Father Christmas. These gifts were to help prepare them for what Aslan knew they were going to face in the future.

God gives us gifts too – spiritual gifts which help us with the tasks he has set before us on our journey of faith.

Reflect on what your spiritual gifts are… There’s a list you can use to reflect on if you’re not sure

Some questions to reflect on

Are you using your gifts to serve and love others as Christ loves you?

Are you selfishly enjoying these gifts for your own self and not sharing?

Do you struggle using any of your gifts?

Are you lacking the confidence or boldness to use your gifts in the ways you desire to?

Do you use your gifts to serve at your church?


Gifts

Romans 12:6–8

ProphecyServingTeachingExhortationGivingLeadershipMercy

1 Corinthians 12:28

ApostleProphetTeacherMiraclesKinds of healingsHelpsAdministrationTongues

1 Corinthians 12:8–10

Word of wisdomWord of knowledgeFaithGifts of healingsMiraclesProphecyDistinguishing between spiritsTonguesInterpretation of tongues

Ephesians 4:11

ApostleProphetEvangelistPastorTeach


The Lamppost

The Lamp-post was a major landmark in the country of Narnia, located in the north-western area, populated by Dryads and Fauns, which was named the Lantern Waste after it. Resembling a London streetlamp, it stood in the middle of the forest and shone day and night. Acting as a beacon at the edge of the land of Narnia, it also shows the grown up kings and queens the way home. It’s an object that falls between worlds – it’s part of 2 kingdoms, both Earth and Narnia.

Perhaps a good metaphor for us while we live here on earth, the lamppost also points to our call to be the light of the world, always shining.

let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5 :16

How have you let your light shine this church year?

How are you going to let your light shine during the Advent and Christmas season?

Is there a way you can commit to being the light of the world in the new church year?

Activity

Reflect on ways that we can be God’s light in the world and commit to one idea. By writing it down and adding it to the collection, we are building a commitment to social justice and making a change in our world.


Hospitality

In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe we read a few accounts concerning hospitality.

The white witch gives Edmond a hot drink and something to eat when he first meets her in the woods. She goes on to offer him all the Turkish delight he can eat if he brings his siblings to her house between the two hills. As we know, that doesn’t work out as Edmond thought…

Despite Mr. Tumnus’ questionable motives, he did give Lucy a warm fire, some food and musical ‘entertainment’.

Mr and Mrs Beaver perhaps do the best job by inviting the Pevensie children into their home before guiding them to Aslan. The beavers perhaps opened their hearts as well as their home to their guests? Of these three accounts, it is the beavers who seem to be practicing servant-hearted hospitality.

Hospitality is not about glamorous table settings or platters of picture-perfect food – it’s about loving others through Christ and making them feel special.

There are many people in our world who will not feel loved or special this Advent and Christmas season.

Can you commit to trying to help in a practical way?

Can you commit to praying for those who are lonely, depressed, abused or suffering an illness?


Lucy The Valiant

"To the Glistening Eastern Sea, I give you Queen Lucy the Valiant."

―Aslan

valiant:

val ntˈ ɪə

adjective

possessing or showing courage or determination.

synonyms: brave, fearless, courageous, valorous, plucky, intrepid, heroic, stout-hearted, lionhearted, manly, manful, bold, daring, audacious, gallant, confident, spirited, stout, undaunted, dauntless, doughty, mettlesome, unalarmed, unflinching, unshrinking, unblenching, unabashed, undismayed;

Can you think of an example from the last year where you have been valiant?

Are there areas of your life where you need to be more valiant?


Lucy The Valiant

"In this bottle, there is a cordial made of the juice of the fire-flowers that grow in the mountains of the sun. If you or any of your friends are hurt, a few drops will restore them."

―Father Christmas

Queen Lucy's Cordial was the prize possession of Lucy Pevensie when she reigned in Narnia. It was a small bottle filled with a very powerful medicinal potion, and it proved extremely valuable on many Narnian adventures.

Is there something in your life that needs a healing potion? It could be physical, emotional or spiritual…

A Prayer for Healing

God, you know me so well. You created me. You know the number of hairs on my head. You've told us to come to you and ask for every need of life. You are the God who heals. I'm coming to you today as your child, longing to hear from you and asking for your divine healing. There's so much I don't understand about life. But I do know that with one touch, one word, you can make me whole. Please forgive me of my sins, cleanse me of my unrighteousness, and begin your healing from the inside out. I absolutely believe you have the power to heal. You demonstrated that on earth, and you still heal in miraculous ways today. Even when my faith is weak, you say it is enough, and my love for you is strong. All that I am is yours.

In Jesus's name, Amen.


Susan The Gentle

"To the Radiant Southern Sun, I give you Queen Susan the Gentle."

―Aslan

Susan is also known as ‘Queen of the Horn’ due to the gift of a horn she received from Father Christmas.

"And when you put this horn to your lips and blow it, then, wherever you are, I think help of some kind will come to you."

―Father Christmas

The horn was a magical object, used in times of emergency to call for help.

Do you know how to call for help?

Who comes to your aid when you call?

Who do you go to the aid of when they call?

"a sound that I'd never heard the like of in my born days. Eh, I won't forget that. The whole air was full of it, loud as thunder but far longer, cool and sweet as music over water, but strong enough to shake the woods."

- Trumpkin


Peter The Magnificent

"And to the Clear Northern Sky, I give you King Peter the Magnificent!"

―Aslan

Peter the magnificent become a knight of the most noble order of the lion. What a wonderful metaphor for what Matthew talks about when he says;

“For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done.

- Matthew 16:27

What can we do to become knights of the noble order of the lion?

Reflect on the following questions…

Is there any commitment you can make in the coming year to reduce your environmental impact?

Is there a local social justice project you could help with?

Are there any volunteering opportunities you have overlooked?


Edmund The Just

"To the Great Western Wood, I give you King Edmund the Just."

―Aslan

Sometimes the journey isn’t simple - we get caught up in things, loose focus, take the wrong path, side tracked… but often when we go off on a tangent we eventually end up in a place of transformation.

This is how it was with Edmund, a very different character after his encounter with Aslan than when he first came into Narnia.

Edmund is eventually bestowed the title of ‘Edmund the Just’ due to his honour and bravery.

What title would you want Aslan to bestow upon you?

Narnian Advent RetreatAfternoon Activity - Animal Symbolism

There is much discussion about the Christian symbolism in the Chronciles of Narnia. It’s pretty obvious that Aslan seems to represent Jesus. Take a look at these advent / christmas characters and decide what sort of animal should represent them in a fantasy story;

MaryJosephElizabeth ZechariahThe ShepherdsAngel Gabriel AngelsThe Magi Inn Keepers King HerodRoman Soldiers SimeonAnna

If you’d like to – you can create a character board by either drawing the animals or creating a collage using the images available.


Afternoon Activity – Heraldry

Heraldry is a broad term, encompassing the design, display, and study of armory. Armory is the most familiar branch of heraldry, concerning the design and transmission of the heraldic achievement, more commonly known as the coat of arms. The coat of arms usually includes a shield, helmet, and crest, together with any accompanying devices, such as supporters, badges, heraldic banners, and mottoes.

If you were designing a coat of arms for yourself or a particular character from Narnia or the Christmas story, what would it look like?

Activity:

Use the templates and materials provided to create a coat of arms for;

Yourself A character from Narnia A character from the Nativity story

Narnian Advent RetreatAfternoon Activity –

Mindfulness Colouring

Does it work? Can we really find relief in colouring carefully in between the lines? Hephzibah Kaplan, director at the London Art Therapy Centre thinks so.

“When choosing a colouring-in book with more complex or abstract images the convention is generally to keep different colours within different lines. This requires a relaxed focus where the outline is containing and the mark-making repetitive and smooth. So a bit like repeating a mantra where repetition is a means to relaxation, colouring-in is also a type of mediation.”

She added:

“Meditation, whether secular or otherwise, has known benefits to mind, body and spirit. When focusing deeply on a simple yet safe task, other anxieties become less present, less pervasive.”


Afternoon Activity –

Design a Banner

These colouring sheets are from the official Chronicles of Narnia colouring book which is based on the Pauline Baynes illustrations.

As you colour, try to focus on one aspect of the retreat you have enjoyed so far and ask God to reveal more to you…

The films of the Chronicles of Narnia are full of wonderful symbolism around Aslan. There’s lion insignia on weapons, shields, flags, armour, costumes, flags and banners…

One of the names we have for God is Jehovah Nissi – as we read about in Exodus after Moses has defeated the Amalekites.

Design a banner for Aslan’s army by drawing your own or using one of the templates provided. If you just want to colour in a traditional one while reflecting on what it means to be ‘under God’s banner’ then fine too!

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