Tyler Johnson: O, Great Mystery
A Christmas Eve Meditation
Today, as Christmas Eve settles around us, we invite you into a quiet meditation written by Tyler Johnson and published as the culmination of the advent series from the Faith Matters magazine, Wayfare, with music from the King's College Choir singing O Magnum Mysterium.
This reflection draws us into the sacred reality of the Nativity—the laboring Mary, exhausted and tearful, the beauty born through pain. It reminds us that the Christ child did not come to erase suffering but to teach us how to live and love within it.
So, in this moment of stillness before tomorrow’s joy, we invite you to pause, breathe, and reflect on this Christmas truth: love enters our world through labor and struggle, bringing with it a deeper peace and lasting meaning.
From all of us at Faith Matters and Wayfare Magazine, we wish you a peaceful Christmas Eve.
SEE THE ARTWORK IN PERSON
Through January, visit The Compass Gallery to view artist Brandon Gonzales’ show Guided by Light, including all the artwork featured in this video and more. This show is a step into the sacred experiences surrounding the Nativity of Christ. These new gouache paintings depict tender moments between Mary and Joseph and their dear Jesus—both their son and their salvation. Heaven and earth collide with the shepherds’ visitation, the saving star, and the Light that guides the wisemen.
As we are guided by Light, we too will discover abundant love and a reminder that where Christ is, all are welcome.
Our Compass events are subsidized and made possible by private rentals of the space for wedding receptions, business retreats, birthday parties, and more. If you or someone you know has an event coming up, consider supporting Faith Matters by recommending The Compass!
Donors and paid Faith Matters Substack subscribers receive complimentary copies of each new Faith Matters book, a complimentary print subscription to Wayfare Magazine, discounts on all Faith Matters courses, and more. Thank you for support—we couldn’t do this work without you.
KEEP READING: IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER BY PETER CONTI-BROWN
