HIGHLIGHT: The Essay: Ideas of Christmas Five presenters, in­­cluding the theologian Robert Beckford, explore the signific­ance of the nativity story (1-5/5).
Monday to Friday 10.45pm, Radio 3

TELEVISION:
Sunday 4.40pm (BBC1) Songs of Praise David Grant takes part in a candlelit procession in Dunster, Somerset.
Monday to Friday 9.15am (BBC1) Christmas City A look at how shops, theatres, and churches in Manches­ter prepare for Christ­mas (1-5/5).
Monday 3.20pm (BBC1) The Nativity Tony Jordan’s dramatisation of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ (repeat) (1/4).

RADIO:
Friday 11am (R4 FM) The Kids Who Decide What All the Other Kids Talk About Paul Mason reports on a group of university dropouts who are using social media to influence young people.
Sunday 8.10am (R4 FM) Sunday Worship A service led by the Revd Lucy Winkett and Professor Robert Beckford.
3pm (R3) Choral Evensong A repeat of last Wednesday’s service, re­­corded in 2005 at St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town.
Monday 4.30pm (R4) Beyond Belief Ernie Rea and guests discuss the Virgin birth (5/8).
Wednesday 3.30pm (R3) A medita­­tion on the nativity, with the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, re­­corded in 2008.
Thursday 6.30am (R3) Breakfast The BBC Singers sing the winning entry in the Radio 3 carol competi­tion.