We are at that time of year when we celebrate Jesus' first (as far as we know) visit to earth. He came as a baby, and grew up as one of us. But his own teachings strongly hint that his next visit will be different. He says that if someone tells us that the Messiah is here on earth, in this place or that (wilderness or inner rooms), not to believe them (Matthew 24: 23-26), and that false Messiahs will lead astray, if possible, even the elect, those whom God has chosen as His agents on earth. Numerous scripture passages hint that Jesus will come suddenly, from the sky, rather than gradually and quietly, from the womb. "As the lightning comes from the east and shines even unto the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man in his day." And after a cloud carried Jesus away after his resurrection (Acts 1:9), two men in white robes (angels?) said, "This Jesus . . . will return in the same way in which you saw him go into heaven." Before the Sanhedrin, Jesus said they would see him "coming in clouds." (Mark 14:62, Matthew 26:64) And unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. Jesus called himself "Son of Man." That's a curious turn of phrase. Not Son of God, but Son of Man. Man is just one of a myriad species on earth. Does this mean that perhaps there has been or will be a divine visit to earth in the form of some other intelligent species? A Son of Dolphin or a Son of Whale? And what about intelligent life on other planets (which almost certainly exists)? Has The Word visited some of them, and lived in their bodies? Is it possible he will return to earth as one of them? It's all speculation, but it fits the scriptures, and the known facts about the universe. That's why one of my favorite Christmas carols is "Every Star Shall Sing a Carol," by Sydney Carter. The words say, in part, "Who can tell what other cradle, High above the Milky Way, Still may rock the King of Heaven, On another Christmas Day? Who can count how many crosses, Still to come or long ago, Crucify the King of Heaven? Holy is the name I know. Who can tell what other body He will hallow for his own? I will praise the son of Mary, Brother of my blood and bone." No one has yet done a definitive recording of this great off-the-beaten-path Christmas carol. Here is the best one I could find: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqtsplOZ3fU Enjoy, and ponder the greatness of the limitless God of Eternity. Merry Christmas! --Philip Eric Jones www.sunriseministries.org