Every year we have had a huge two-day Christmas celebration for the high school group. Friday night is spent decorating cookies, playing games, caroling, and the ever-exciting white elephant gift exchange. Saturday we gather first thing in the morning to carol for an old folks home and deliver the cookies we decorated the night before, to families in our church. After lunch we pile into the church shuttles and head up to San Francisco. In the city we visit Pier 39, enjoy a delicious dinner at the Rainforest Cafe, shop at Union Square and take a cable car ride up to Ghirardelli Square for dessert. It is one of the favorite events of our group, and this year was no exception.

Bobby and I, several leaders and forty-or-so high school students just returned from enjoying nine hours of fun in San Francisco. This being our fourth year leading this event, I was well prepared with warm layers, wool socks, an umbrella and even those nifty self-warming pocket inserts to keep my hands warm. I think that some of the students didn’t realize just how cold it can be in San Francisco. I think Mark Twain even said “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” Top that off with the fact that it rained most of the time and you can imagine that some of the complainers and whiners come out! Despite any discomforts, I think a great time was had by all.

At Pier 39, Missy, Katie and I shared a simply amazing crepe. It had Nutella spread (hazelnut-chocolate) in it and was warm and perfectly soft. Then we visited the Chocolate Heaven store and got some apple cider at the end of the pier. It was a wonderful time and by far my favorite Christmas in the City yet.

I’m really starting to feel like Christmas is just around the corner, but we are not waiting around for the 25th of December in order to celebrate. We’ve already given two gifts away and my heart can’t seem to stop singing…“There’s been born, there’s been born, a Savior! He is Christ the Lord!”

Last Friday night, Missy and I caught a late showing of The Chronicles of Narnia. Bobby was reading the book aloud to me (he even did voices for different characters-my favorite being his voice for Aslan which sounds like a mixture of Gimli from Lord of the Rings, Sean Connery and Governor Schwarzenegger) and we had just about finished it. Not having heard it since my mom read it to us when I was six or seven, I had forgotten much of the story, but I enjoyed it again. This time, however, I was struck by how simplistic the book was. So many adults talk about the book that I had almost forgotten it was a children’s story until we started reading it.

The Book
These books are considered to be some of the greatest children’s classics. The fantasy story, set during WWII in England, tells the captivating story of four children who find a magical world inside a wardrobe. It colorfully narrates the adventures the children have in Narnia. Lewis’s humor comes through in different comments and characters throughout. He seems to make an ongoing joke about never shutting oneself in a wardrobe and some of the dialog is pretty humurous. There is quite a bit of talk about the symbolism in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and as a believer, it was not difficult for me to see the parallels of some elements of this story to those of the Christian story. The book is a sweet, simple, and worthwhile read, especially for young children.

The Movie
I was surprised by the amount of publicity that came, not from Disney or Walden Media, but churches and Christian outlets such as magazines, radio, and Christian bookstores. I even saw a poster in the window of one Christian bookstore that said of the Chronicles movie: “The Passion of the Christ for 2005!” With the book fresh in my mind and evangelical hype all around I was excited to see the film.

The movie was done beautifully. From beginning to end it was visually vibrant and imaginative. I enjoyed the music and thought the costumes were well done too. The cast was equally attractive, but only the girl who plays little Lucy is worth mentioning. She is bright and engaging, while her sister and brothers gave somewhat weak and spiritless performances. The portrayal of the White Witch is notable as she probably delivered the best acting in the movie. The other key characters contributed roles via special effects and computer animation. Aslan is well-voiced by Liam Neeson but the animation is rather unrealistic with eyes always seem to be withdrawn and unfocused. Unfortunately, the animation of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver left much to be desired. They would fit better in the next Pixar movie rather than the mystical realm of Narnia!

It was fun to watch the movie after just reading the book because it brought all those elements in writing to life. To be honest to the book, the movie took a great deal of liberty as far as particulars are concerned. It was true to the story in the key elements of four children entering the wardrobe, journeying to the stone table, crowned at Cair Paravel, and returning to England. However, the particulars of how this takes place depart from Lewis’s details. Though the basic essence of story is what carries the movie, in my personal opinion, the altered state does a disservice to the book and leaves it rather mediocre in comparison. It is definitely more visually stimulating with the added and altered scenes, but the true elements that make the book enjoyable and even meaningful now come across vague and veiled.

The standard for fantasy movies has been raised with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, though also altered, the films still flow well with compelling excellence. Though the stories may not be comparable, The Chronicles of Narnia does not measure up or really compare to the quality of the other in genre. Regardless of the fact that they did not have as large of a budget, it seems that in their attempt to make it visually exciting, they did so at the expense of the quality of the story.

The “Buzz”
“It has the power to impact a person’s heart…” “The fundamental purpose of the Narnia stories is to convey the reality of Christian truth…” “Narnia clearly portrays the foundational and eternal truths of Scripture…” these quotes have been made by pastors and writers across the country. In anticipation of this film, an abundance of material has been released, from “Finding God in Narnia” group study guides, to books like “Knowing Aslan” and “The Heart of the Chronicles of Narnia: Knowing God Here By Finding Him There.” There is an excitement in the evangelical community over this film–pastors are preaching on Narnia, Sunday school teachers are reading the book to their classes instead of teaching the Bible, churches are having Narnia nights, youth group events, and even buying out whole showings of the film for the congregation to see.

Christians seem to hope that this movie may spur on spiritual conversations that would allow them to witness to unbelieving family, friends and co-workers, and it may. It is assumed that these people will be able to see and draw the proper conclusions about the spiritual elements contained in the movie and that they will want to know more. But wouldn’t a conversation about Christmas, many current events and maybe just speaking the truth in love do the same? Why do we need to use a movie as a springboard for a spiritual conversation? I am sad when people act as though this movie lets them off the hook for “having” to bring up God to witness to others. I was concerned to read the back package of one book, which said, “Do your friends and neighbors have only a vague idea of Lewis’s Christian metaphors either before or after viewing the film version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? This quick, easy-to-read, and non-threatening overview can help!” When would a surrendered, Spirit led believer need such packaged Gospel goods as a crutch to talk about what is most important in their life?

I am hesitant about the overwhelming acceptance and promotion of this film in the Christian community. Personally, I have some problems with C.S. Lewis’s theology. He was an imaginative writer and a bright thinker, but he held to some troubling and confusing ideas theologically. I like the allegory he uses in this series, and there are many other stories that we can try to draw allegories from. I think it is good for us to notice Gospel symbols in stories, but I don’t know why it seems like people are trying to find God in all these places instead of where He has clearly revealed Himself–in Scripture.

I appreciate the parallels in the book. I enjoyed the movie. But to preach on Narnia, plan whole church services around it, and treat it as a replacement or supplement for witnessing seems to be taking it a bit far. It is a good story, but it is not the story. Elements of the Gospel may be reflected, but the movie itself by no means replaces it. Every tiny facet of this story is not meant to symbolize and parallel our way through Scriptural truths. It is a children’s story, not Scripture. I would have to agree with the well said words of Steve Camp on The Chronicles of Narnia: “Enjoy the film; read your Bibles; and don’t confuse the two.”

Christmas is just next week, but for some reason I still feel like it’s far away. I think that I am not as into traditions and “the season” as I used to be. I used to be all “a buzz” with shopping, listening to Christmas music, baking and decorating. But the last few years I’ve taken a step back and decided that I don’t want to be all caught up in some of those things like I have been. If you came to my house you would still see a tree (It’s only three feet tall and yes, it’s fake, but I like it, haha!), a few decorations in the living room, a bright red poinsettia on my desk and my Bing Crosby Christmas CD might even be playing. But I feel different about it. This year Bobby and I have been talking a lot about the meaning of Christmas, that there has been born a Savior(Luke 2:11). I think this is helping us to pull back some from what often seems more like empty chaos rather than meaningful celebration and celebrate, not family, not winter, not gifts…but Christ!

A couple of weeks ago a friend said to me that she wasn’t going to decorate and get all into the traditional Christmas frenzy this year. She was going to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior without all of the clutter of the culture. She had mentioned this to her boss who replied, “You can do that?” His response made me laugh because I realized that we go through these motions of Christmas but many people don’t know why they follow the traditions and some don’t even like them that much. And yet year after year they feel bound to them. I told my friend she should put all her thoughts into a little book and it might be a bestseller next Christmas!

Yesterday the Lord gave me a wonderful opportunity to be a messenger of good tidings to someone. For the last few years I have been going to the same sweet lady, Anna, to have my haircut. She and I have talked about many things–church, death, marriage, family, etc–but my appointment yesterday tops them all. We chatted for a few minutes about how each of us were doing and as she began a treatment for my hair she spoke right up and said, “Christa, I was hoping I could ask you what I hear is a deeper meaning of Christmas…” She went on to explain that someone had told her that some people think the holiday has something to do with God. She knew from previous conversations that I am a Christian, and though we’ve discussed many things I had never openly shared the Gospel with her and clearly, this was my opportunity to do so. I was so excited! I told her about how we need a Savior and so God sent His Son to us to make the way for us to be right with Him. I told her that people waited so long for Jesus to come and now we are waiting for Him to come back, because He promises to return someday to gather all who are His. She listened intently and asked several questions as I shared. It seemed like she had never really heard this story before.

As she washed my hair she asked, “How do you know all of that, such a big story?” I told her that God made sure it was written down for us in the Bible. Our conversation moved on to other things for some time but toward the end of my appointment with her she turned off the hairdryer and said simply, “I think I believe the Bible.” She then shared with me that being from Iran where the vast majority is Muslim, she had never really heard that story and asked me a lot of questions about why other American’s don’t celebrate this. Anna insightfully pointed out that American’s think Christmas is about Santa Claus and family rather than Jesus. That was sobering to hear. As I left the salon I hugged her and thanked her for the conversation and she said, “No, thank you for telling me all of the good story that you believe from the Bible. I’m going to celebrate Christmas this year too, now.” I was beside myself. I wish I had a haircut again next week so I could go talk to her some more! I may try to go see her soon and take her a Bible so that she could read the Christmas story for herself.

Not too long ago I blogged about how waiting for opportunities can sometimes be an excuse. I think I even said that the chances of someone actually coming outright and asking you to share with them were few and far between. This conversation with Anna helped me see that a situation like that is not impossible. I always want to be ready to share with anyone, and by being open in all conversations to speak the truth. I realized that maybe the other conversations we have had about death and church and such were opportunities that were leading to this one. May we all be looking for opportunities to give good tidings of great joy to others!

I’ve been reading a book called Becoming a Woman of Prayer. I want to learn more about prayer–how to do so Biblically, according to God’s will and in faith. This book has been helpful. With it’s Bible-study format it has many verses and thoughtful questions that have me thinking a lot about prayer. Often times I am not sure what to pray because I know that deep down I just want to be aligned with God’s will. I don’t want to get caught up babbling before the Lord over things that may be on my heart simply because I have not been obedient to take every thought captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). I know I can cast all of my concerns upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) and I do this often, but it is the prayers of request for others or myself I’m not always certain of what to pray for. I realized that I might make this difficult for myself because sometimes I think I have the “right answer” already thought out as I’m praying. In the portion I read today the author sited a quote by D. Martin Lloyd-Jones that I found very convicting and insightful.

My husband, Bobby, is the best friend I’ve ever known. People told me I thought that simply because I am married to him, but I have long seen that he is a true friend to all of his friends. Lately I have been learning new things about friendship and being encouraged to be a godly friend myself from seeing the daily interaction he has with his best friend, Ty. Bobby and Ty have been good friends since college, they were roommates for a couple of years, and Ty was the best man at our wedding. I’m not sure what most friendships are like between two guys in their mid-twenties, but Bobby and Ty stand out dynamically from what seems to be the norm.

If any of you know Bobby and Ty, you have witnessed for yourself that their friendship is not manufactured or superficial. Sometimes I focus simply on what we have in common and try to be a good friend based on that. Though their friendship may have started out with things shared, they have grown so much deeper and farther than just the surface commonalities and are now, much more like brothers. Ty was over for dinner last night, as he often is, and after observing their interactions I was inspired to share with you all some things I have gleaned from their example.

Truthful. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6) Rarely have I heard people be as honest with each other. I remember being privy to a conversation this summer where Ty told Bobby that if he was ever getting too proud in himself that Bobby should remind him that he is just dust. I have heard them remind each other of this on many occasions, “Dude, you’re just a bowl of dust, you’re nothing!” It seems that there is no limit to the element of honesty they are quick to seek and offer. Bobby will write a lesson to teach on to the high school students and he will call Ty to get his input. Ty will have a tough day at work and call Bobby for some support. I’m always encouraged by the constant exchange of truth between the two of them–open, honest and upfront.

Regular. “…Exhort one another daily, while it is still called ‘Today’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13) Most of my friendships have formed around activities and events. If I made the friend at a Saturday night Bible study, that is usually when I see her and probably talk to her most, but not often outside of that setting. In this kind of relationship there isn’t a lot of depth or day-to-day intimacy shared, though sometimes that is where I have met my best of friends and have grown with them outside of the formal setting. The context for Bobby and Ty’s friendship is clearly different. They are not waiting to hang out or talk at a guys Bible study Thursday morning. The Lord has made and kept them friends as they seek Him. Almost daily, Bobby stops by Ty’s workplace to talk to him and vice versa. Many times a week they meet to pray together, talk on the phone and frequent Taco Bell. I have learned that the deepest and most like-minded friendship is formed in the day-to-day interactions of following Christ. They don’t sit down to “get to know” each other, they live life together.

Co-Laboring. “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in my mightily.” (Colossians 1:28-29) Bobby and Ty are faithful and eager ministers together in the work of the Lord. God has gifted Bobby to teach the truth from His Word and Ty, with his voice and guitar, to sing praises to Him. Week after week Bobby prepares to teach and Ty prepares to worship. When they come together the Lord works mightily through them to help grow others up in the Lord. I enjoy hearing Bobby’s end of conversations saying, “Thanks man, for laboring with me in the work of the ministry.” I can faintly hear Ty say on the other end, “No, it was my pleasure to serve along side you, dude.”

They take their gifts and ministry very seriously. From the overflow of their lives they like to write music together; Ty writes the music and Bobby writes the words. We even have the spare room at our new apartment set up for them to record music. This is why they started their website Godsong music so that people could read and hear what the Lord is doing in their lives. I hope you will pay them a visit.

Encouraging. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) This sums up the every day interactions of Bobby and Ty’s friendship. I don’t know how many times I hear Bobby call Ty at work and say to him, “I just wanted to be sure your heart was stayed on the Lord!” Or that he says to me, “Let’s stop by and see if Ty wants us to bring him dinner, so we can encourage him.” Sometimes Bobby will be down and Ty will call or come over with the goal of building him up.

They even started a “ministry” to each other that they affectionately call AME ministries. Since much of the time they are busy with their jobs and other responsibilities and not free to talk at a moment’s notice, they decided to utilize each other’s answering machines, hence, AME–Answering Machine Encouragement. I get such a kick when Bobby will tell me of some long drawn out message he left for Ty to encourage him that day. Or Bobby will be checking his voicemail on his cell phone and just start laughing hysterically because Ty left a message of encouragement but in the voice of Governor Schwarzenegger. Such a simple thing really seems to make their days sometimes!

I feel very fortunate that I am able to observe and be part of such an exemplary friendship. I hope that these aspects that I see in them will be increasingly true of my friendships as I grow in the Lord and with others. I hope you will somehow be inspired to consider your friends and what you can do to be an encouragement to stir up their hearts for the Lord today!