Paul gives his testimony to King Agrippa, Festus and others. They react against what he tells them but do not think he has done anything illegal but Paul has claimed the right to be tried by Caesar.

Jesus prepares his disciples for the time of persecution that will be coming to them as leaders of the Church. He encourages them, and us, to think of life beyond the present - into eternity.

Jesus repeats much of his teaching about dealing with evil and disbelief in this new context. There is no neutral ground: you are either for Jesus or against him.

Following his statement 'I am the Light of the World', he proves his identity as Messiah by bringing light to the blind man. This is a public event and causes more controversy.

The tension rises as Jesus debates with the Jewish leaders. He uses the symbol of light, connected to the Feast of Tabernacles, to teach more about his identity.

Jesus challenges those following him about the need to make a response to his message. That will depend on how people listen. Christians have two families which can bring conflict, as it did for Jesus.

Materialism affects all of society and was found in the Jewish religion of Jesus' day. We should trust God to provide, think about heavenly rewards rather than earthly, and be generous in our giving to combat materialism.

Jesus' disciples will be like salt - fertilising the good and disinfecting the bad in society. Christians offer the light of Jesus by their lives.

Bethlehem is near Jerusalem and the Temple where Jesus is circumcised which was a sign of God's covenant relationship with the Jews. Simeon and Anna meet them and they prophesy. Circumcision and baptism are compared.

John, the Apostle, takes a big picture view. Jesus is called the Word because he communicates God - even today. God is one God but three persons - the Trinity. John the Baptist is introduced.