One of my favorite cartoon strips is Hagar the Horrible. One of my favorite strips of Hagar is the one in which Hagar is addressed by a Monk.
In the frame, the Monk, Bible tucked under his arm, an expression of peace on his face, says to Hagar, "Remember, it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."
In the next frame, we see the Monk disappearing over the horizon, and we see Hagar, looking out at us ... saying..."But I enjoy cursing the darkness."
How many of us enjoy cursing the darkness.
How many of us would rather complain about what is wrong than to add to what is right? ... To feel sad or upset, or angry, about what is going on around rather than to change it, ... To cast stones and criticize what is happening, rather than to gather up the stones and build from them a new and better thing?
You think it is a silly question maybe? That no sane person would want to feel upset or angry? Well, all I can say is perhaps we are not as sane as we might be.
Advent and Christmas is a strange time of year for many of us. A time in which, as we prepare for the coming of the son of God, we often feel down, disappointed and anxious.
A time in which instead of feeling joy, we feel despair ... A time in which instead of rejoicing we fret and worry and drive others insane.
You know, as I anticipate the coming of the Lord, I am look forward to Christmas Eve, to the candles, to the hymns, to receiving in my hands the bread and the wine.
I am amazed by the number of Grinch's that exist around us, the number of people who are grumpy and complain about how Christmas is corrupt, how our songs have been stolen, our gifts cheapened, our hopes made trivial, and our dreams destroyed.
I am amazed by how I hear around me the voices of doom, by how people tell me that nothing is as it was, and that Christmas has become nothing but a merchant's delight. They continue by adding that what is suppose to be a time of faith and hope has become nothing but a time of greed and despair.
Where is our faith? Where are our convictions?
Where is our sense that indeed God has come to us in Jesus and that he had overcome the power of darkness?
If we want Christ back in Christmas, then it must start with us ... that's right you and me! This is a season of good news, the season of preparing ourselves for the coming of the Lord. It is a season for celebration, of rejoicing, of praising God for what He has done, and what He is doing, and what He will yet be doing for us.
What does the Monk say to Hagar? It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness...
My dear readers, a candle has been provided to us. A light has been granted unto the world, and its power is unquenchable.
So what are we doing? Are we cursing the darkness or are we lighting a candle to drive the darkness away?
Maybe it is time that we all light a candle and get a different attitude! Prepare the way of the Lord ... celebrate the good news instead of cursing the bad news.
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Dr. Charles M. Wood, II is the pastor of The Christian Church in Logan, and an accomplished instructor of psychology and religion at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. He is a Christian counselor in Logan - serving, ministering, and donating his time to people from all denominations.
If you would like to contact Dr. Wood, please write: The Logan Banner, c/o The Good Life With Dr. Wood, P.O. Box 720, Logan, WV 25601; or call (304) 752-4658. All letters addressed to Dr. Wood will be forwarded to his office.
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