The Chronicles of Narnia and Father Christmas

Father Christmas
By Duncan Rize

The White Witch has laid a terrible spell on Narnia; it is always winter and never Christmas. Accordingly, in Narnia, there is only darkness and cold without the joy and hope that Christmas brings into the dark land. She has placed some magic over the land that keeps Father Christmas out.

When Aslan appears and all four children are in Narnia the Witch’s power begins to weaken. As the children trudge through the night pursued by Maugrim and the Witch things look very bleak for the causes of good in Narnia. But in the morning the children awake to find that Father Christmas has broken through the Witch’s spell at last.

The appearance of Father Christmas signifies hope in the story of Narnia. His appearance is the first sign that the Witch’s powers are failing. In Narnia it is now always winter but sometimes Christmas. From a biblical perspective, Christmas is the celebration of Christ’s birthday. The fact that Father Christmas appears means that evil is no longer able to suppress joy and hope in Narnia. With the return of Christmas joy and celebration begin to return to Narnia. Father Christmas also gives the three children magical gifts that shift the balance of the battle in favor of the forces of good.

Peter receives a sword and a shield which he uses to fight evil. Susan receives a bow and arrow and a magical horn that will summon help whenever it is blown. Susan later uses this horn when Maugrim attacks her. Peter wields his new sword for the first time to save Susan’s life. Lucy receives a dagger and a magic vial that restores the health of anyone injured. Edmund, who was not with his siblings when Father Christmas arrived, received no magical gift and was subsequently mortally injured in the great battle. Lucy uses her magic vial to save Edmund’s life. The three gifts Father Christmas gives to the child parallels the three gifts given baby Jesus by the wise men. Indeed, Father Christmas almost seems to be modeled after the wise men.

Father Christmas gives each child practical gifts based on their temperaments and their roles in Narnia. Father Christmas also gives the Beavers practical gifts. She-Beaver is given a new sewing machine while He-Beaver has been given repair to his dam.

Father Christmas symbolizes the return of hope to Narnia but he also stands as a symbol that good is rewarded and wickedness is not. Had Edmund been with his siblings, he might have received an important magical gift as well and he might not have been injured in the battle. Father Christmas symbolizes the triumph of Christian belief and faith in Narnia. Even in the darkest part of the story Christian celebration can be found.

Duncan Rize loves the writings of C.S. Lewis and works with the marketing group at www.LearningByGrace.org. Learning by Grace manages of a number of internationally known online K-12 academies including www.TheGraceAcademy.org, www.TheJubileeAcademy.org, www.TheMorningStarAcademy.org and www.TheNarniaAcademy.org . This article is © 2005 ELRN, Inc. and may be quoted in whole or part as long as the author (Duncan Rize) and source (www.TheNarniaAcademy.org) are credited.

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