“All the best stories in the world are but one story in reality – the story of escape.  It is the only thing which interests us all and at all times – how to escape.” – Walter Bagehot

When you think about it, so much of life can be categorized or connected in some fashion to a means of escape.  That escape can come in the form of activities or thoughts – be self-induced or require the involvement of others.  Some escape can be relatively harmless, but even so; it takes us away from what is real and authentic.  Most escape has shades of darkness to it – aspects that can not only skew our view of reality temporarily, but can harm us beyond remedy.

Why the overwhelming need to escape?

The very bottom line is about pain and pleasure – the two greatest motivators of human behavior.  We are driven to avoid one and be totally immersed in the other – so much so that even the slightest bit of boredom, dullness or monotony – the tiniest tinge of what might be considered “painful” throws us toward the escapism found in an action/adventure movie, a great book of fiction, or listening to music that changes the atmosphere or current mood.

So when we go to such lengths to avoid the smallest of pains, you can imagine what happens when the deeper stings, agonies, and sorrows of life kick in.  Here is where the darkness enters – where the methods of escape become intense and far more risky.

The painkillers help numb the hurt – either physical or emotional, but the addiction is a costly one to both health and finances.  The alcohol lifts the mood, but damages the body and the mind in the long run.  The affair takes us away from a marriage filled with rage or emptiness, but it takes a toll on all the other lives that are involved besides the two people engaged – hurting spouses, children, and our extended families.  We give pieces of ourselves away to others who are only interested in the pleasures of sex – and in the long run feel even greater emptiness, emotionally void, and with scars on our hearts that cannot be easily erased.

The pornography is exciting to watch, but so damaging and injurious to the truth behind good relationships and lasting intimacy.  The gambling brings with it thrills of getting rich quick, but it almost always leads to the exact opposite – draining finances and creating even more unmet needs.

These darker methods of escape can be life altering.  What seems to provide short term pleasure can quickly make things worse – leading to a life of remorse, regret, and damage that is irrevocable.

The holidays have a way of making those of us trying to escape the pain feel even more pressure than normal.  We are supposed to be holly, jolly, and full of Christmas cheer!  But the pressure to be happy and full of joy when life is filled with suffering is unbearable.  We feel as if life is passing us by and that the true meaning of the season just isn’t meant for the likes of us.

If you are finding yourself this Christmas trying to escape the pains of life – employing methods that can lead to greater darkness, remember the words of Isaiah who foretold the coming of Christ almost 750 years before that first Christmas:

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light – on those living in the shadows of death, a light has dawned.” – Isaiah 9:2

I love how the Apostle John writes, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1: 4-5)

Even Christ said, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12)

 The darkness of escape, no matter what methods you employ, will not last.  They bring no light – no life with them.  Only fading pleasures and increasing angst.

Realize the true gift of Christmas is found in the light that has dawned, one that shines through and penetrates the darkness, leading us to a life of illuminating light!  Our escape from the darkness of this life is found and rests in Him my friend.

This is the meaning of Christmas my friend!  The birth of a light that shines so bright, it changes everything!

When I experience great pain that seems overwhelming – beyond my own ability to withstand – I look to “the life that was the light of men” – to the only real Truth that will help bring me not only THROUGH the pain…. but provide the LIGHT I need to SEE IT within its proper context.  That light guides us through the deeper meaning of the pain we suffer.  That light shines brightly on the purposes behind it – the broader reasons within it that fulfill our destiny here.

Life isn’t about escaping pain through temporary pleasure.  It’s about the journey, the broadening and strengthening of faith and hope, and the impact those things leave on us and others.  Pain isn’t meant to escape – it is designed with loving intention for lasting and meaningful growth. 

There is no sustaining light in the heroin or opioid – in the drunken buzz, the progressive jackpot or the brief, fading orgasm.  Their escape is really no escape at all.  It never gives light that illuminates – only intensifies the blackness and obscurity – the confusion and the chaos.  They eventually add to the pain even more – never leading to an escape that is permanent or lasting.

I pray that we all see Christmas this year in the context of light and truth – the only REAL means of escape – a gift like no other…. the Savior who is the “light of life”!

[Jesus said,] “I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” – John 12:46 NLT