LTN Advent Calendar 2018: Hope and Kingdom Death: Monster

As we enter the season of Christmas, the Love Thy Nerd writers want to share moments from nerd culture that resonate with them and reflect the weeks of the Advent calendar.

Week One – Hope – Prophet’s Candle

The Children of Israel were scattered, conquered, enslaved, and subject to a vicious cycle of sin and suffering. They were without hope. Though the prophets spoke of sin and punishment, they also promised something more. A final deliverance was coming.  

“The people walking in darkness
   have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
   a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2

Kingdom Death: Monster, on its surface, is a grotesque of pain and fear. Unknowable horrors emerge from the darkness, relentless in their efforts to devour the few survivors that populate the settlement. There are two choices: walk out into the dark alone and submit to the fear that awaits because you are incapable of your own salvation, or stand fast and hold your lantern high that it may dispel the darkness and be a beacon to those around you. There can be more to life than fear and suffering.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Featured image “candle” by davidpwhelan (Morguefile license, resized).