Astronomers and historians have long debated whether the Star of Bethlehem was really a star at all.

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: Deb Haarsma, astrophysicist and President of BioLogos

With grace, the hilarious Kevin Kling has overcome trauma and learned to live with disability. You may recognize your own spiritual journey in his humorous "Three Phases of Prayer" story.

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: Kevin Kling, author, playwright, and storyteller

Even when Dr. Francis Collins wasn't a believer, music moved his soul.

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: Francis Collins, former director of both the NIH and the Human Genome Project

After artist Jenedy Paige discovered that many popular depictions of Christ's nativity scene are historically inaccurate, she set out to create a painting of her own—which unexpectedly brought her a deeper understand of God's love.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent tradition 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: Jenedy Paige, oil painter

Lessons on stillness from a cold-blooded creature that has mastered the art of not breathing to survive a frozen winter.

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"

A bird laid an egg in the hand of the Celtic Saint Kevin, and, as the story goes, he held that egg steady until the chick hatched and flew away. Learn from stories of waiting to bring more peace into your holidays.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent tradition 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: Christine Sine, gardener and author of "The Gift of Wonder: Creative Practices For Delighting in God"

When an angel shows up in scripture, its first words are often "be not afraid." Who are these creatures, and what role do they play in Christian doctrine and tradition?

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: Ed Simon, author of "Elysium: A Visual History of Angelology"

Generosity is contagious . . . and sometimes competitive—in the best way possible! Stories from a Salvation Army bell-ringer.

Part of a Constant Wonder series marking the Christian Advent tradition 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: David Hudson, former National Commander of The Salvation Army officer

How children can learn from the Creation story to love Advent.

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: Kelli Ann Wilson, blogger at "Around the Year: A Journey Through the Seasons of Nature and the Christian Year"

When he was a teen, Isaac Ogutu’s family was gifted a cow by an English farmer, and their lives were transformed. Now, years later, Isaac works with Ripple Effect to lift other families out of poverty, too.

Guests:

Isaac Ogutu, Farm Systems and Sustainability Officer, Ripple Effect

Paul Stuart, CEO, Ripple Effect

Learn more or donate to Ripple Effect here: https://rippleeffect.org/us