On December 13, 1795, a meteorite fell from the sky on a farm near the village of Wold Newton in East Yorkshire, England.  A farm hand was so close to the site of the impact that he was struck by soil and rocks thrown into the air by the crash landing of the meteorite.  The crash caused a crater over ten feet deep, and a brick monument was erected on the site, with a plaque on one side to identify it.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us about a special human who arrived from beyond the earth through a miraculous birth caused by the Holy Spirit of God.  He was conceived in a virgin named Mary and was the only begotten Son of God, and given the name Jesus.  His birth and subsequent life have had a greater impact on the world than any other birth ever, and continue to impact people today.  He was born in a cattle shed and laid in a cattle feeding trough, wrapped in swaddling clothes, a simple birth but one that is celebrated at this time of the year ever since that time.

        The site of the birth of Jesus was identified in the second century by Christian tradition, and a church was erected initially in 339 A. D., and then replaced in the sixth century after a fire.  There are elaborate floor mosaics from the original building, and the site also includes Latin, Greek Orthodox, Franciscan and American convents and churches, as well as towers, terraced gardens, and a pilgrimage route.

        The most significant aspect of the birth of Jesus is that He came to be the Savior of the world, rescuing people from their sinful conditions in which they were born.  Although He has returned to His heavenly home, He makes His presence known in the world through His Holy Spirit who resides in the hearts of all who invite Him to do so.  Those who in fact choose to extend this invitation are given the hope that they will one day be taken to heaven to live with Jesus there.  Just like Jesus arrived into this world through that special miraculous birth, all faithful followers of Jesus will be miraculously transported through time and space to accompany Jesus back to heaven.

        At this time of the year we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but one day we will celebrate with Him in heaven at a special event which is called in the Bible the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  The Lamb, of course, is Jesus, who became the supreme sacrifice to pay the penalty for the sins of all the people of the world.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.