Sermon Central
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Narnia: The Light Of The Lamp-Post Series
Contributed by Ron Hammer on Nov 28, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: One of the most enduring images from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the Lamp-Post. This sermon uses that image as a springboad into the theme of light in the story of redemption.
Four things can be said of the Light in these verses:
1. It originates in Christ
2. It cannot be overpowered by darkness
3. It is unique – the true light
4. It is universally available to enlighten all who will receive it.
(Chuck Swindoll, "Exalting Christ...the Son of God" Insight For Living Study Guide, p. 12)
Jesus is truly the light of the world and He can light up your life no matter how dark it may be, if you only believe.
2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV) 6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
In the Narnia Tales, and especially TLWW, the Lamp Post shines brightly on the person of Jesus Christ, the one who is the true light and Who comes into the world to enlighten all people!
In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the fifth book of the series, Aslan tells the children that although they must return to their own world, they can find him there also (Hooper 123). Aslan says, "There I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there" (Hooper 123). Some of Lewis’ readers wonder what the significance of this statement is and begin to search for Aslan here on earth. Hila, an eleven year old girl from the United States asked Lewis what Aslan’s name is in this world (Dorsett 31-32). His response was this:
As to Aslan’s other name, well I want you to guess. Has there never been anyone in this world who
(1.) Arrived at the same time as Father Christmas.
(2.) Said he was the son of the great Emperor.
(3.) gave himself up for someone else’s fault to be jeered at and killed by wicked people.
(4.) Came to life again.
(5.) Is sometimes spoken of as a Lamb....
Don’t you really know His name in this world. Think it over and let me know your answer.
(Amber Cowart, The Success of C. S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia, (http://cslewis.drzeus.net/papers/success.html). Cowart references: Dorsett, Lyle W. and Marjorie Lamp Mead, eds. C. S. Lewis Letters to Children. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1985.)