If you are a fan of The X-files, you will remember the iconic poster in Agent Fox Mulder’s office of a flying saucer with the words “I Want to Believe” under it. Recently, that image came to mind as I was pondering the Christmas season. Why in the world would you think of that, you ask? Read on!
First, I found this story about a new UFO documentary. Have you been following the latest news about UFOs? I mean…UAPs? [Officials now want to call it UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) because UFO has been too stigmatized. Change the language, change the narrative. Ugh.] News sites have published some compelling stories lately, but they mostly get buried under bigger news.
Anyway, the documentary, titled The Age of Disclosure, is now available on Amazon Prime Video. I have not watched it yet, but I am anxious to do so. The whole UFO craze has been a curiosity to this sci-fi author for many years. It fascinates and stirs up my creativity. But it also provides an interesting look into modern society and culture, which leads to my second point.
Not too many years ago, the idea of other intelligent life beyond Earth was mainly the stuff of science fiction. Outside of that realm, most people were content with non-committal skepticism: “Well, who knows?” If one advocated too strongly for it, however, he was dismissed as a “kook.”
Over time, as we have been able to see more and learn more about the cosmos, the assumption that we are alone in the universe has been more publicly challenged. “Seeing how big the universe is,” the argument goes, “how can we believe there is no other life out there?”
Today, we have come from “probably not” to “maybe so.” I find that intriguing, and I am glad it has happened during my lifetime because I have enjoyed watching it change. Before you put me in the category of a Fox Mulder-type of UFO believer, though, keep reading.
The second reason the “I Want to Believe” poster came to mind during my Christmas preparations is because I am fascinated by what people are willing to believe and what they are unwilling to believe. For example, I unapologetically celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. Although there are now many secular (non-religious) traditions associated with this time of year, Christmas (literally “Christ Mass” or “Mass of Christ”) is the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, whom God sent into the world to bring salvation to a wayward humanity.
The holiday is ripe with symbolism: From the candy cane in the shape of a shepherd’s staff; to the colors red, green, white, purple, blue, gold, and silver; to our trees, candles, stars, angels, wreaths, and songs; it is all meant to point us back to the “reason for the season.”
Don’t get me wrong; I like Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, gifts, mistletoe (especially that), and all the rest. But for me the most important part of “Christ-mas” is the “Christ.” Amazingly, many folks question my belief in this. I say amazingly because it amazes me how it can be easier for someone to believe in an alien visitation than in the visitation we celebrate on December 25. It is easier for some to believe in alien life—without evidence—than to believe in the Source of life, with plenty of evidence.
The search for intelligent life beyond Earth is ultimately driven by a need to find someone better than us—someone who, unlike us, has life all figured out. I propose that such intelligent life does exist. But it is not little green men, greys, or any of the other forms we have concocted from our imaginations. The life we seek beyond is life that has already been revealed to us here on Earth. We can see that in the very first Christmas celebration:
“While they were there (Joseph and Mary), the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:6-14).
Turning “I Want to Believe” into “I Believe” is not difficult. You can see all around you how easy it is for people to believe in something. We need to. We are hardwired for it. We need to know that there is something more—something better. And there is, my friend. Find it this Christmas…in Christmas.
PLANET OF PERDITION UPDATE
Although PLANET OF EDEN is a sci-fi adventure story, readers have also enjoyed discovering other elements within its pages, including philosophy, science, romance, and even a little humor. And PLANET OF PERDITION is continuing with that fun mix of “something for everyone.”
I just finished writing a scene between Jay and his former sidekick, Cody, that had me laughing out loud. Yes, Cody is back briefly in this second installment of the trilogy, and the portly teen is still both an aggravation and asset to his older buddy, Jay.
My inspiration for Cody’s character came partly from his stereotype: the slightly overweight teen boy who is a combination of clumsy, socially awkward, self-conscious, brash, and yet persistent, loyal, and even lovable. He is the quintessential underdog: the dork that you can’t help but to like.
When I was in grade school, there was a kid in my class who may have turned into a Cody when he got older. His name was Frankie. No one in my class cared to hang around him, which I found to be strange because there was nothing wrong with the chubby little guy other than his horrible shyness. My memory is a bit foggy about those days. Lots of trauma. But I do remember trying to befriend Frankie. Like me at that time, he was an outsider.
I changed schools or something and never saw Frankie again. In honor of him and those with his struggles, I created the character of Cody. I am sure you will be seeing more of him and this trilogy unfolds.
FIND A BETTER PLANET PRESENT!
[BLATANT ADVERTISEMENT AHEAD!] Do you still need to check off a few names on your holiday gift list? Consider getting a copy of PLANET OF EDEN for a friend or family member! Even if he or she is not a “big reader,” I guarantee this book will be a real page-turner. Do you belong to, or know of, a local book club? Recommend Eden to them! The Holidays are a great time to get people reading.
Thanks, you awesome Edenites!
