During this Advent season (the 40-day preparation for the Nativity of Christ), it seemed fortuitous that the movie “Arrival” was released on Nov. 11.
Based on “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang and starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, the Sci-fi mystery thriller about the arrival of aliens to Earth strikes several spiritual and universal chords that seem to parallel the Christmas celebration.
The alien landing immediately sends military officials, astronomers and scientists across the globe into a panic, setting off a debate on whether to attack or attempt to communicate.
It is quickly determined that the universal mode of communication would first be in “language” rather than “science,” hearkening to the Gospel of John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God and Genesis 1:3 God said let there be light… God spoke and it was created.
A scientist in the story vehemently argues that the particular language of beings even determines their ideology (consider that in the face of a culture of foul language, slang, emojis (ideograms used in electronic messages and Web pages) and memes (ideas, behaviors, or styles that spread from person-toperson within a culture).
A hostile response to the arrival of the aliens could have catastrophic results, while a peaceful response could bring unexpected blessings.
As the world celebrates the Word become Flesh, is humanity responding positively to the arrival of God?
The communication breakthrough in the movie comes when Dr. Louise Banks (played by Amy Adams), impulsively removes her contagion gear and helmet, much to the surprise and protest of the experts, and looks at the alien beings face to face.
Many saints of the Orthodox faith have taught that communion and paradise require face to face intimacy with others and with God (consider that in the face of a culture where humans communicate with others through face to face contact with devices).
The alien faces remain shrouded, recalling Exodus 33:20…no one has seen the face of God. Is humanity ready to behold the face of God?
The aliens appear as tall columns with seven arms, and they have landed in 12 different earthly locations. The number “7” in Hebrew equates to “perfection,” and the number “12” biblically corresponds to the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles – the New Jerusalem. “12” also has universal implications in that it is the sum of 3 (eternity/trinity) times 4 (universal/ complete).
Numerically it can be argued that the perfect beings have arrived to usher in a perfect world; echoes of Galatians 4:4 When the fullness of time had come God sent His Only begotten Son.
The 12 alien vessels are shaped like towering half-eggs, evoking images in Orthodox icons of the Resurrected Christ rising from a half-egg (tomb), and eggs as symbols of the resurrection.
There is no gravity in these vessels, as what is thrown upward continues upward, just as the Cross of Christ elevates humanity.
The heroine of the story is Louise, while her flawed ally is Ian (recalling Genesis 2:18 It is not good that man should be alone upon the earth, Genesis 1:26 male and female He created them). “Louise” comes from the Germanic for warrior, and “Ian” is rooted in “gift.” Biblically “Louise” parallels “Ellias” while “Ian” corresponds with “John,” prominent prophets and forerunners. Louise and Ian beget “Hannah,” Hebrew for the grace of God. The Nativity season is rife with biblical prophecy and God’s grace.
Spoiler alert: Through the frenzied actions and communications by Louise, and thanks to the last minute restraint by military build-ups, the aliens bring unity and peace to the earth’s combustive nations; Luke 2:14 …peace on earth and goodwill to man.
The Orthodox faith reminds us that we are all aliens in a strange land, longing for home. May we discover spiritual meaning and blessings in all of God’s creation, and may this Holy Season once again encourage us on our journey to paradise.
Fr. Artemas is pastor of St. George Church in Clifton, N.J.
