What's the big fuss about Narnia? (Updated)

I just finished reading the "Narnia" series, and have to admit that it has changed my outlook on life. I would never have imagined that a series of children's books could have this impact on me, but it did.

From the moment I began reading about Lucy's first entrance into the great land, I was captivated and engrossed into this story. It wasn't long until I realized I was halfway through the series, and felt as if I was living out the adventures myself.

I had read the first book, but barely remembered the story line. When the movie was released, my Pastor decided to read the book the children in the church, watch the movie with them, and then discuss the spiritual aspects of the book. We spoke of this on the way to Nashville last year and my mind became intrigued with the series. I didn't understand why he was so excited about the books.

Finally, a few months ago, I decided I would download the audio book and listen to it as I traveled to Savannah on business. I started the long drive with "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" and had nearly finished it by the time I arrived at my motel. I was so excited that I took my Ipod in the room that night and finished the book. I then rented the Pay-Per-View movie the next night. I was hooked. Aslan,. . .even the mention of his name demands respect in my mind now. What an awesome picture of our Lord and Savior.

If you haven't read this series of books, or haven't read them in years, I encourage you to pick them up and let these words fill your heart with gladness and revitalize your Christian walk. As exciting and moving as the book is, the greatest moment is in the last chapter of the last book - I won't ruin the story line, except to say that I was shouting on my way over the mountain as I listened to this audiobook. As the story finished, I could do nothing but pray for the rest of the journey home. WOW!

My favorite book remains "The Magician's Nephew", partly because it explains where the witch, the lamp post, and even the warddrobe come from, but my favorite part of any of the books was in "The Horse and His Boy". As the boy walks in the darkness, hearing someone beside him, he trembles with fear. There is no communication for some time, he can only hear the breath. He finally speaks to the one that is beside him and learns that it is, in fact, Aslan. At this point, he doesn't know Aslan, and is terribly afraid of lions, but this lion is different. It silently walked to the boys right on the journey. Later, when the boy returns to this area during daylight, he learns that he was walking beside a great cliff and that Aslan was walking beside him in the darkness to keep him from falling. What an amazing spiritual picture.

I did some research after reading the first book on which order I should read the series. While many arguments were found on whether to read in chronological order, or by publishing date, I found my own order and suggest it strongly.

I recommend reading in the following order:

1. The Lion, The Witch, & the Wardrobe (introduction to Narnia and the characters)
2. The Magician's Nephew (The origin of Narnia, the witch, etc. - but not to be read first)
4. The Horse and His Boy (This book will make Prince Caspian more understandable)
5. Prince Caspian (The last adventure in Narnia for Peter and Susan)
6. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Edward & Lucy's last adventure, introduction of Eustice)
7. The Silver Chair (Adventures of Eustice & his friend, Edward & Lucy's Cousin)
8. The Last Battle (The last book - AWESOME!!)

ENJOY!!