Advent Guide: The Wonder of ChristmasSample

Hide and Seek

Hide-and-Seek might just be the most famous, longest-lasting game that spans generations and is still relevant to children today. I have no doubt that you played this game as a child. I can also confirm the students in my church's youth ministry continue this game's legacy. What is it about this simple game that's so captivating and timeless?

You start with a bunch of friends and a big space, maybe a neighborhood, an empty church, the whole house – anywhere with space and a bunch of nooks and crannies. You select one seeker from the group. Ready, set, go! Everyone scatters to silently select "the best" hiding spot to conceal themselves from the rest of the group, especially the seeker. The seeker closes their eyes, then starts the countdown. Upon reaching zero, what do you shout? "READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!" Game on.

Think back to your best hiding spot – the one where you were the last to be found. The one where the seeker had to walk around shouting, "I give up! Come out! You win." Close your eyes and go back there. Remember the surroundings. What did you hide behind?

There is something awesome about sitting there, knowing you are unfindable. It feels safe, doesn't it?

While that might be nice in a kid's game, we are not meant to be unfindable. God has designed us with a desire, a need to be known and seen – known by family, by friends, by our co-workers – known by God. The whole story of God and humanity is Him seeking and finding us, especially when we don't want to be found.

He seeks us not to win a game or expose our terrible hiding spots and weaknesses. He seeks us because He knows that a relationship with Him is the ultimate safe spot. You can't escape His Spirit. He knows where you are, He knows where you are going. I pray you will recognize God's Presence right now and experience the Peace that knowing Him provides – a Peace beyond all comprehension (Philippians 4:7).

Chris Cato is the Director of Missions at Buckner International, connecting churches and volunteers with meaningful service opportunities around the world. He and his wife Jamie love traveling to the mountains with their family on countless outdoor adventures which may include a game of hide-and-seek with their young kids.