In Chapter 10 or The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the children and the Beavers meet Father Christmas. This is a hugely significant event. Father Christmas means Christmas is coming which means the White Witch's powers are starting to wane. There are, of course, gifts with Father Christmas' arrival. For the Beavers, Father Christmas provides them something they wanted, but were willing to sacrifice for the good of the children and for the good of Narnia. Father Christmas offers them their home repaired. He even gives Mrs. Beaver a new sewing machine. At the start of the chapter, Mrs. Beaver had to leave it behind, and was sad in thinking of what the White Witch might do with it. Now this item will be restored. For the children, the gifts are somewhat different. They are provided with tools (not toys as Father Christmas says) that will help them in the coming conflict. We should think of these items like the gifts that Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 12. They are the spiritual talents the children will require to move forward in their journey to save Narnia. Father Christmas' visit is described as one filled with joy, but it is also a solemn occasion. It is to an end in it of itself, but Father Christmas' visit leads them to the future and their time as they get ready to meet Aslan. The same is true for us. Christmas has no meaning without Easter to follow it. The joy we experience in Christmas isn't just about the birth of Jesus. Instead, it is joy in what this birth will bring: mainly the salvation of us all. Finally, Father Christmas leaves them with a nice tea to fill their bellies and prepare them for the next leg of their journey. At the start of the chapter, Mrs. Beaver was so concerned about making sure they had all the right supplies. This was smart, and the exact right thing for her to do. At the same time, it is worth noting that God often provides for our needs in ways we don't expect and through means we could never imagine. Father Christmas' gift of food is a reminder that even when we worry and plan, God is there to provide for us still, even when we least expect it.
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