Advent from Constant Wonder

Advent from Constant Wonder

Enjoy an audio advent calendar with a short episode for every day from December 1st through Christmas. Each episode invites thoughtful reflection on the season, inspired by nature’s miraculous phenomena (from a turtle hibernating through the cold of winter to tree sap that solidifies into frankincense) as well as music and art traditionally connected with the biblical story of the Nativity. Advent is a series from the Constant Wonder podcast, produced by BYUradio.

Episodes

November 23, 2023 2 mins
Enjoy an audio advent calendar with a short episode every day from December 1 through Christmas. Each episode invites thoughtful reflection on the season, inspired by nature’s miraculous phenomena (from a turtle hibernating through the cold of winter to an ermine that teaches a writer forgiveness) as well as music and art traditionally connected with the biblical story of the Nativity. Advent is a series from the Constant Wonder po...
Mark as Played
The wintering painted turtle and the fox squirrel offer differing models for our own unique styles of spiritual waiting through dark periods of our lives. 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 Bos...
Mark as Played
December 2, 2023 11 mins
When a nervous cat tries to communicate his needs, Hannah Anderson reflects on the symbolism of the Christ child in the manger. 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 a...
Mark as Played
December 3, 2023 11 mins
In Italy, it takes a village to welcome the Christ child. We explore the sacred within raucous Neapolitan nativity sets that can boast hundreds of figures. 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,...
Mark as Played
December 4, 2023 10 mins
When the winter world is dark and still, look to the Christmas story for the promise of light. 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 Reflect...
Mark as Played
December 5, 2023 9 mins
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 G...
Mark as Played
December 6, 2023 10 mins
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 Natu...
Mark as Played
December 7, 2023 11 mins
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 wor...
Mark as Played
December 8, 2023 14 mins
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. Gue...
Mark as Played
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 ...
Mark as Played
December 10, 2023 11 mins
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...
Mark as Played
December 11, 2023 6 mins
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: T...
Mark as Played
December 12, 2023 8 mins
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 ...
Mark as Played
December 13, 2023 10 mins
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
Mark as Played
December 14, 2023 10 mins
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:...
Mark as Played
December 15, 2023 12 mins
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. Guest: Kevin Kling, author, playwright, and storyteller
Mark as Played
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:...
Mark as Played
December 17, 2023 13 mins
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 an...
Mark as Played
December 18, 2023 8 mins
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...
Mark as Played
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 e...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Fudd Around And Find Out

    UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.