Constant Wonder

Darkness makes even the most familiar places unfamiliar. But Leigh Ann Henion finds this exciting, not scary—night reveals a magical, wondrous world.

Guest: Leigh Ann Henion, author of "Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark"

Visit Leigh Henion's online to learn more about her writing, research, and life:

Author page: https://leighannhenion.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighannhenion/?hl=en

A new season of fresh content is on its way! In the meantime, nature writer Gayle Boss takes a minute to enumerate the many joys that Constant Wonder brings her as a listener. Find out why an "abandon to wonder" can make all of us feel more alive!

Marcus shares an original Christmas message.

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"

Joseph was put in a bind when Mary conceived. We can learn from the angelic visitations he received—and from his responses.

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: Lynne Hilton Wilson, co-host at Scripture Central

"When Joseph Went to Bethlehem" © Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

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

Author Philip Yancey learned a surprisingly poignant lesson about Christ while taking care of the fish in his aquarium.

Guest: Philip Yancey, author of "Vanishing Grace"

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, former President of the Newman Club for Catholic Students at BYU (current Vice-President); Bryan Barba Salazar, of Nicaragua, BYU student and associate producer of Constant Wonder

When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus at the temple, they are honoring the human bodies of both mother and child.

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"

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.