The following Advent meditation on the marvel and grace of what is known variously as Big History, the Epic of Evolution, or the Great Story, was provided by 96-year-old Charles Townes, who in 1964 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the invention of the laser. In addition, Charles was awarded the Templeton Prize in 2005 for his pioneering work at the intersection of faith and reason, with the publication of his oft-cited IBM THINK article, “The Convergence of Science and Religion.”

Evolution is remarkable.  We think we can understand it scientifically. However other critical and fascinating aspects of God’s creation are not possible to understand.  The universe began some 13.7 billion years ago – but how?  The laws of science, which developed the universe and life, are very special.  They need to be almost exactly the way they are for us to be here.  But how did they turn out just that way?  We don’t know or understand how they were formed.  To my mind this is very suggestive of a plan and design, and a fantastic one!