Mike Epps -- I'm The Prince of Darkness -- Take Down Your XMAS Lights!!

EXCLUSIVE

Mike Epps wants the world to plunge into darkness ... imploring all good Christians to TAKE DOWN THEIR XMAS LIGHTS!!!

We got the comedian at LAX where he schooled us on yuletide rules ... and just like white shoes after Labor Day subscribes to the unwritten rule on removing Christmas lights.

Tell that to Maria Shriver .