Have you ever been to an escape room? An escape room is a game where you and a group people are “locked” into a room and the object is to figure out the clues so you can get out. They can be very simple or very elaborate, with moving bookshelves that reveal hidden passages. I went a few years ago with our youth group, and it was a lot of fun. We had a hour to figure out the clues so that we could “escape” the set of rooms we were in.

Life can be like an escape room. We are searching for answers, working to solve problems. Sometimes we hide from the world and use drugs or alcohol as our escape. My dad Robert, suffered greatly in his life. He was always searching and at the same time, always hiding. He used drugs and alcohol to cover the great pain that filled him. Sadly, even as he searched, the demons that tormented him, finally took over and he lost the battle. He died alone and in despair.

Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is saying that he is our escape. As we stumble through this world, searching for clues, solving our problems, working to “get out”, Jesus is our only answer. He holds the key to the escape room. He is waiting for you to ask him to help you find the way out.

Our world has taught us that there are many answers and many ways to escape the pain that life can bring. But in truth, God provided our escape a little over 2,000 years ago. He sent his only son to be born of a virgin, to live among us and then to die in our place on the cross. As we celebrate Christmas in the coming weeks, take time to remember Christmas isn’t just about a baby, Mary and Joseph. Christmas isn’t about shopping and presents. Christmas is the beginning of God’s escape plan and it will lead us to the cross. We are celebrating the most blessed event of all time. Christ left heaven to come to earth to make a way for us. He is our key to escape and through him, we will celebrate eternal glory in heaven. Stop looking for clues that won’t help you get out. Turn to Christ and ask him to show you the way.