At one time we lived near a ranch that bred and raised Arabian horses. They were magnificent animals, and often grazed in a field near the road that we usually traveled. One day, when I drove by the pasture, I had to slow down, as a graceful deer crossed the road in front of me, walked toward the fence , and easily leaped it to join the horses, some of which were grazing at the rack which held food in the field for them. Two horses stopped long enough to look up at the deer, and resumed their meal at the rack. The deer simply stood next to them and shared the feast. It didn’t stay long, but returned over the fence and into the woods. The image of that graceful, fragile looking wild deer next to the Arabian horses stays with me. The wild animal was such a contrast to the horses, that it seemed to represent an entirely different world, yet the deer was not shy about joining the horses.

The whole scene, experienced in only a very few minutes, reminded me of C.S. Lewis’ books in The Chronicles of Narnia, where the animals talk and interact like human beings. In describing the nature of Aslan, the great lion who is a savior figure in the book The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Mrs. Beaver says, “He’ll often drop in. Only you mustn’t press him. He’s wild, you know. Not like a tame lion.”

‘The Lewis story rests on prophesies of rescue of the world of Narnia by Aslan, of the return of spring and blessed living. In the Bible, the Book of Isaiah prophetically announces the coming of a rescue from darkness into light: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. . . For unto us a child is born. . . and he will be called ‘Wonderful Counselor , Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:2&6),

The promise of the coming of Christ has echoed for thousands of years. It is renewed at Christmas and Easter, and in individual lives throughout time. His coming into our lives cannot be forced or fabricated. He is not, after all “a tame lion.” the “wildness” of God is the source of hope for us, for His all sufficiency covers our entire well being.

That He can leap over the fences of our lives, and fellowship with us and even rescue us, is our hope for eternal life.

St. Paul experienced this: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) In life and in stories our God makes Himself known to us.

Love in Him,

Prue