“Just as no winter lasts forever, we know that this pandemic will eventually be part of the past. Sometimes it is easy to forget that this is, indeed, only a season.”
About this time last year, the junior class started planning for JSB (Junior Senior Banquet). The students in the Class of 2021 had no idea what the next year would bring, but the theme they selected was “No Winter Lasts Forever.” This theme was based on the classic children’s book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis.
In the story, four children from “our world” arrive in the fantasy land of Narnia where they discover that an evil witch has cast a curse on the land so that it will be “always winter but never Christmas.” What makes a perpetual winter without Christmas so much worse? Why is taking away Christmas part of a curse? I think it is because Christmas represents hope in the midst of winter, at least if you’re living in the northern hemisphere.
When COVID-19 became a pandemic and the JSB was canceled, the theme became instantly apropos. Just as no winter lasts forever, we know that this pandemic will eventually be part of the past. Sometimes it is easy to forget that this is, indeed, only a season. How do we live positively and joyfully during this seemingly endless winter? Hope. Hope is what brings us through. Hope reminds us that there is much for which to be thankful, even amid trying circumstances. Hope nudges us that this season of serious restrictions is temporary.
In the story, Santa Claus arrives bringing gifts for the children. This brings hope to everyone in the land of Narnia because it gives them hope that the curse is being broken. Even though winter continues, there is hope that it will end one day. So as we celebrate Christmas, let us hold steadfastly to hope.
Finally, the hope in the story is realized when Aslan, the lion and true king of the land, returns and defeats the evil witch. The story is written as an allegory, with Aslan symbolizing Jesus. Jesus is the true basis of hope, not only at Christmas but also throughout the year. As you celebrate Christmas may you be filled with hope and joy, remembering that no winter lasts forever.
Written by Shawna Wood
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