On a tiny green plain located where the rivers Jarama and Tajo meet, sits a fertile oasis, a Royal escape from the stifling air or governmental intrigue and responsibility. A settlement since the Bronze Age, the Romans called it Arajovis, after a Roman temple dedicated to the god Jupiter. After the Romans, the Arabs who rested in the plain’s calming beauty called it Aranzuel, a place of the walnut trees. A strategic place during the Moorish domination, sitting between the Muslim Kingdom of Toledo and the Catholic Crown of Castile, it eventually fell to Spanish Crown during the Reconquista of Spain, becoming a placid retreat frequented by kings and queens, a favorite location of the itinerant court, who preferred to reside there in the blooming of early Spring, staying until the arrival of Summer.
“A friendly climate, life-giving water, a universe of small animals that gave life to remotest corners of the forest” the gardens received expert care and attention from the Spanish sovereigns. Leafy trees lined the roads; orchards and vegetable gardens were planted and nurtured. In the beginning, no walls were constructed to enclose the natural gardens, this was to be a place of Christian humanism and enlightenment. Much devotion was given to the “delicate enchantment” as described by visitors in the 1700s. Architectural planning and a broad, open design began to characterize the location. Aranjuez became a magnificent royal symbol for the religious knowledge and power used to govern the Empire.
Much loved for its ordered beauty and repose, Aranjuez also became an instrument of power, because this enchanting paradise, this place of beautiful flowers and fruit trees, belonged to the king, and only the king. No one but royalty and nobility were allowed to dwell within Aranjuez for many years. Outside of these gardens was the most arid of places.
After Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden, they were both sent away. “He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:24). The beautiful garden that the Lord God had planted became but a memory for us, just an unnamed longing in our hearts.
The long journey we experience as pilgrims in the arid lands unfolds as Jesus the redeemer pays the price for our return to the heavenly courts. We have been adopted by royalty. We are now children of the King. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:4-10).
We are not alone in these arid lands, our King walks with us until the day of our return. “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” (Isaiah 58:11). The riches that belong to God and His “royalty” are no longer off limits to us.
The theme of our return is the heartbeat of scripture. “And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by. And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the Lord; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it.” (Ezekiel 36:34-36).
As children adopted into a Royal Family of the Living God, we use our creativity to herald the return of His creation to His presence. We use the tools in our hand to proclaim this Good News to those living in arid lands, the refugees, the down-trodden, the enslaved, and the enchained. Embedded in our productions are the promises given us. A blessed hope, a wonder to consider, and a joy to give strength to those on this journey with us until that promised day.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:1-4).