How does change happen? Fast, slow, locally, everywhere, smoothly or in leaps and bounds? Of course the answer can be all of the above, depending on the change and the circumstances. Still, it's a question that came to mind as I thought about advent this year. We are rehearsing the wait for one of the most profound changes the world has experienced. We have the benefit of knowing how long we will wait and what we are waiting for, and yet the nature of the change still has multiple facets to consider. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Making Change
Advent
The Gift of Waiting
We are in a time of waiting in the church year. During Advent, we remember Israel’s waiting for a messiah and Mary’s waiting for the birth of Jesus. We also wait in hope for Christ's future return. I look forward to this season not only for its theological significance but also because waiting is a fundamental part of life. Waiting for the end of the semester. Waiting to hear about an article or book’s publication. Waiting for a job offer. Waiting to hear a diagnosis. Waiting for an upcoming … [Read more...] about The Gift of Waiting
Science Corner: The Case of a Curious Christmas
Among the holidays widely observed in the United States, Christmas strikes me as the one most concerned with curiosity. Several Christmas songs are posed as questions: "What Child is This?" and "Do You See What I See?" and "Mary, Did You Know?" OK, that last one has a real 'more of a comment than a question' energy, but still. There are the magi on a quest of discovery. There is the mystery and anticipation of a wrapped gift. And so I thought the science of curiosity would be an apt topic for this Advent season. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: The Case of a Curious Christmas
Science Corner: The Dance of Life and Advent Pt 4
Reading and writing about The Dance of Life and developemental biology reminded me of the time I was asked to write about a supposed flash of light occurring at the moment of conception. Articles like this one made the rounds on social media, getting everyone excited about a literal spark of life. Or at least I guess that's what they were excited about; I didn't really get it because I knew the light came from reagents scientists added to detect zinc and not the egg itself. I appreciated the opportunity to add clarity … [Read more...] about Science Corner: The Dance of Life and Advent Pt 4
2020 Advent Resources: Week 4, Advent Project from Biola
Each week this Advent season, we're sharing a different resource readers may find helpful. This week we highlight Biola University's 2020 Advent Project, an Advent calendar of devotional reflections with art and music chosen from historical and contemporary sources: http://ccca.biola.edu/advent/2020/ Many Advent calendars end at Christmas, but this one goes all the way through the Twelve Days of Christmas to the Feast of Epiphany on January 6. We pray that it encourages you throughout the rest of Advent and the … [Read more...] about 2020 Advent Resources: Week 4, Advent Project from Biola