Christmas renews our youth by stirring our wonder. The capacity for wonder has been called our most pregnant human faculty, for in it are born our art, our science, our religion.

In this quote, Ralph W. Sockman emphasizes that Christmas has the power to renew our youth by rekindling our sense of wonder. He suggests that the holiday season, with its emphasis on joy, miracles, and magic, helps to reawaken a sense of awe that we may lose as we grow older. This wonder is something that, for Sockman, is essential to human life and creativity, acting as a gateway to art, science, and religion. He sees wonder as a driving force behind many of humanity’s greatest accomplishments and spiritual insights.

Sockman’s assertion that the capacity for wonder is our "most pregnant human faculty" points to its fertility in sparking innovation and discovery. In his view, wonder is not just a passive emotion, but an active catalyst for growth and creativity. When we are filled with wonder, we are open to new possibilities, which leads to the creation of art that expresses the beauty of the world, science that seeks to understand it, and religion that explores its deeper meaning.

The quote also suggests that wonder is integral to the human experience and that Christmas, as a time of heightened emotional connection and reflection, gives us an opportunity to reconnect with this essential faculty. Sockman implies that by stirring our wonder, Christmas allows us to reconnect with the childlike sense of awe that can fuel our creativity and spiritual growth, bringing new insights and rejuvenating our emotional and intellectual lives.

The origin of this quote stems from Ralph W. Sockman’s broader views on the role of faith, human potential, and the inspiration that Christmas brings. As a clergyman and theologian, Sockman often explored the deeper meanings behind everyday experiences and religious observances. This quote reflects his belief in the transformative power of wonder, not only in personal growth but in shaping the future of humanity through creativity and spirituality.