Constant Wonder

When Gayle Boss stumbled on a passel of river otters on her 66th birthday, she learned from them that you're never too old to be playful. She agrees with Job that it's important "to ask the animals" for insight. 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"

Marcus shares his family's tradition of lighting the traditional Advent wreath, something the Smiths' neighbors inspired them to do. Guests: Joerg and Desiree Weser

Musings on tree sap take us to the gifts of the Magi, whose visit inspires a sense of hope that, one day, all people will worship together. 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"

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 grueling summer job in the middle of nowhere teaches a young, boisterous teen about the sacred value of silence. 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: Seth Haines and Amber Haines, co-authors of "The Deep Down Things. Practices for Growing Hope in Times of Despair"

Amateur astronomers tracking Jupiter dance and laugh about a discovery, leading to a reflection on what makes a miracle. 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: Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, Director of the Vatican Observatory

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"

A beautiful moment in the Antarctic, when a young field biologist—whose peripatetic childhood left her feeling rootless—offers a weary newborn seal pup a place to lay its head. 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: Naira de Gracia, field biologist and author of "The Last Cold Place: A Field Season Studying Penguins in Antarctica"

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"

A pilgrimage to a remote monastery in Italy unexpectedly opens up a wounded heart to forgiveness. 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: Amber Haines, co-author of "The Deep Down Things: Practices for Growing Hope in Times of Despair"