Retired pastor and bishop Peter Storey of South Africa tells of a congregation he served where some members were connected with the ruling authorities of apartheid and other members were those being attacked and even killed by the police.  During prayer time one family would ask for prayers for their white son who was an officer.  Another family would invite prayers for their black sons who had been shot in the past week.  Feelings were raw.  The heartache, fear and anguish were visible on the faces of worshippers.

Peter Storey says they would then light a candle on the altar.  The candle was surrounded by barbed wire.  In lighting the candle, these words were shared:

A candle light is a protest at midnight
It is a nonconformist.
It says to the darkness:
      “I beg to differ.”   (Samuel Rayan)

When the voice of hatred and despair is loud, when violence and greed turn our hearts away from compassion, when we are seduced into believing the discomfort of darkness is as bright as it gets:  in these times we need to stop and regroup.  We need to find and take the handholds about us and speak the word of conviction and the truth that we have come to know. 

With hands joined and eyes uplifted, we can say, “We beg to differ.”  Love and hope last longer.  Kindness and generosity breed compassion.  The light has come…and it keeps getting brighter.

In this Advent time we are reminded of a daily truth:  the light of God’s presence is yet coming.  This light, no darkness can overcome. 

To the claims of evil and injustice in this world, in whatever forms they present themselves, we say, “We beg to differ.

Janet Ellinger

All contents copyright 2003 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.