Mr. Tumnus meets Lucy at the lamppost and seems like he’s been doing some Christmas shopping, his arms full of packages. He invites her to tea, rather nervously.
Tumnus is part domestic and part wild; he’s a faun – half goat and half man. He’s timid, kind, and has a cozy home in a cave. He’s also a bit suspect, with his goat legs, horns, and his secret but half-hearted plan to kidnap Lucy and turn her over to the Witch. Over tea (“lightly boiled brown egg, sardines on toast, buttered toast with honey, and sugar-topped cake”) he confesses tearfully that he has to betray her. Lucy both comforts and scolds him. He escorts her safely to the lamppost and they become dear friends.
If John the Baptist is a hairy man who calls us to repent, Tumnus is a hairy faun who repents with all his heart.
We, too, are part domestic and part wild, part hospitable and part fearful, with our own hidden shames and secrets. How will we offer our regrets and sins before God as part of the preparations for Jesus this Advent? How can we believe, that like Lucy, God is both just and merciful? Can we be the same, with our friends and families?
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)
Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’ (Matt. 9:13)
