Thought for the Month

Optimism, Pessimism

The message for the end of this Christian era is an optimistic one. It is one of coming 'peace on earth' and 'goodwill'. There are so many scriptural promises waiting to be fulfilled that the Christian message is one of hope.

Pessimism seems to be at the heart of the message of the bemusement park 'Dismaland'. It is the work of the well-known modern artist Banksy. The park has been set up in Weston-Super-Mare on the site of an old lido by the Bristol Channel that divides South Wales from England. His statement says, 'Sorry kids—sorry about the lack of meaningful jobs, global injustice. The fairy-tale is over, the world is sleepwalking towards climate catastrophe' and 'maybe all that escapism will have to wait'. He has managed to get 50 artists from 17 nations to 'toil under the darkening clouds'. Perhaps this quote is an accurate assessment of the world in which we presently live. Perhaps there has been too much escapism rather than facing up to longer term issues.

In the Bible there is the promise of the 'times of restitution of all things' which was spoken of by the prophets (Acts 3.21). That includes the restoration of the land for the 'desolate land will become like the garden of Eden' (Ezekiel 36.35) where 'the desert shall blossom as the rose' and 'the parched ground shall become a pool'. Ordinary men and women will be restored to good health and the lame will leap, the blind will have their sight restored and the deaf will be able to hear again (Isa.35.).

Escapism is something that seems important to many people in this country in this generation, whether this be a visit to a theme park like Disneyland, a holiday resort, computer games or television and films. Banksy appears to have noticed this too. In one sense the Christian has also escaped and now rests in the many precious promises of God and has a new life free from the pursuit of worldly ambition and accumulation of wealth. (2 Peter 1.4)

In some ways no wonder people seek escape from the toil and strife of life that has gone on for the last two thousand years, as the writer of the hymn 'It came upon the midnight clear' noted there have been so many wars. Even now there is prolonged conflict in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria that is causing hundreds of thousands to emigrate, sometimes taking great risks to resettle in European countries. Thousands are leaving other troubles in North Africa. The message of the Psalmist says "He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire" (Psalm 46.9 NKJV). This is the message of the Bible that God will make wars stop. It is one of optimism.

The artist also mentions 'the darkening clouds'. This imagery is used in the Bible too. Joel speaks of "a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thickness, as the morning spread upon the mountains" (Joel 2.1,2). John the Revelator says "Behold, he (Christ) is coming with the clouds, and every eye shall see him" (Rev.1.7 Diaglott) Clouds usually means trouble of some sort but this trouble comes with the second advent of Christ to end the crisis and bring blessing. The darkness preceding the light that shall be revealed to all in due time.

Therefore there is much to be optimistic about as we look forward to a time of 'peace on earth' a phrase which will be read, sung and listened to many times over this festive season. The message brought by the angel by night.