Advent from Constant Wonder

Marcus shares an original Christmas message.

When an ermine kills her beloved chicken one Christmas morning, Sy Montgomery learns a lesson in forgiveness that reaches far beyond the hen house.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Sy Montgomery, author of "How To Be A Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals"

The ties that bind us—family or community—may sometimes feel restrictive, but they actually hold us safe and keep us calm, like swaddling bands, according to Hannah Anderson.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Hannah Anderson, author of "Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World"

The disappearance of the ivory-billed woodpecker gets Hannah Anderson thinking about how we make room to care for other creatures on this planet, and the hope of Christmas in dark times.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Hannah Anderson, author of "Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World"

The human need for light and warmth are miraculously met by our planet and solar system. Ben Abbott compares these earthly systems to Christ's divine mission.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Ben Abbott, professor of Plant and Wildlife Sciences at BYU

A manger in a snowy forest is a reminder that at His birth, Christ was surrounded by animals and the people who cared for them.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Gayle Boss, author of "All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings"

Originating in Mexico over 400 years ago, Las Posadas is now an Advent tradition through much of Latin America. Neighborhood bands of "pilgrims" representing Joseph and Mary knock on doors looking for shelter, face rejection, and then ultimately are taken in by generous hosts.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guests: Fernanda Romero, of El Salvador, President of the Newman Club for Catholic Students at BYU; Bryan Barba Salazar, of Nicaragua, BYU student and associate producer for Constant Wonder

In December the lake trout goes home to lay her eggs in a cold and rocky nursery. Gayle Boss draws parallels with the Nativity, which we think of as peaceful and idyllic, but was likely marked by strenuous effort and extreme danger.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Gayle Boss, author of "All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings"

She may have started life as a "nowhere person in a nowhere place," but Mary's devotion has inspired generations.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Gaye Strathearn, professor of Ancient Scripture and Ancient Near East Studies at Brigham Young University

Excerpts from “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord” from The Redeemer by Robert Cundick performed by the BYU Singers. Used by permission from the Heritage Series on Tantara Records and the estate of Robert Cundick. © 1996 Tantara Records. All Rights Reserved.

The historian and military leader Josephus completely ignores Nazareth, even though he was quite familiar with the entire Galilee. What does it mean that the Savior of the World came from such an obscure place?

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent with daily vignettes that distill the spirit of the season, in keeping with our mission of exploring wonder and awe in all nature, human or wild, vast or small: encounters that move us beyond words.

Guest: Gaye Strathearn, professor of Ancient Scripture and Ancient Near East Studies at Brigham Young University

Lyre music courtesy of Michael Levy, a UK-based composer, whose musical mission is to “continue where the ancients left off,” in creating new music for the recreated ancient lyre. Michael’s music has been incorporated into Rufus Wainwright’s opera Hadrian, the soundscape for Jeff Koon’s sculpture "Apollo Kithara", and his music has been featured as part of the permanent soundscape to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.