The Princess and the Goblin

This children’s book was one of many written by George MacDonald a Scottish minister and author. He lived from 1824 to 1905 and was a great influence upon C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien with his imaginative fantasy tales which illustrate characteristics and truths of Biblical principles. He emphasized the importance of personal faith and the nature of God as loving and redemptive. His works often explore the relationship between humans and the divine, presenting a vision of God that is both nurturing and just.

My cousin had read it as a child, recommending it to me for its ability to convey by children’s tales spiritual realities that are difficult for some grown intellectuals. Yeshua explained this best, “He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:2-5) Becoming like children means accepting truth without first applying ones own reasoning, demands, arguments, and skepticism. The Spiritual realm is unseen, but real and beyond our physical senses. The Lord was clear that a spiritual rebirth is required to see and enter the Kingdom of God. (John 3:3-5) 

I’m sure many of our miseries, ailments, depression, and dissatisfaction relate to secular intellectual reasoning and sensual desires that are instilled through modern secular education which  rejects or opposes truth and experience of Christian and Biblical heritage. This is illustrated very wonderfully in this book as not everything that is encountered is equally visible to every character. Moreover, there are things that providence controls for our good. Children are not masters of their own destiny nor are they capable of making wise decisions in every situation. They are nevertheless subject to weakness, limited knowledge, and error, just as are humans of any age. 

It may be obvious to most, but children’s books almost always have a good ending with good and right prevailing over evil wickedness. Intellectuals will be the first to label it simplistic. However, most Believers will remember that the Bible reveals the beginning and end of human history. God’s love prevails over hate in the end. The Human story is a love story where God takes a human Bride and lives together in Heaven forever. Now, that is a happy ending, at least for all who believe.