The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers.

The Revd Lucy Winkett leads a meditation on the power of light for St Stephen's Day. With music by Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and readings by Mel Giedroyc and poet Zena Edwards. Show more

Howard Jacobson reflects on why Christmas has always drawn him to the water's edge. Show more

Writer Paul Evans encounters a pair of ravens and reflects on their dark associations. Show more

Lend your ears to work by the legendary BBC feature-maker and 'radio man', Piers Plowright, who died in July 2021. Show more

Usha’s not feeling the Christmas vibe and Susan’s got the green eye. Show more

Richard Osman, broadcaster and writer, shares the eight tracks, book and luxury item he would want with him if cast away on a desert island. With Lauren Laverne. Show more

The correspondence between Sandy (a camel carrying a king and some myrrh through the desert) and Martha (a donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem). A comic perspective on the Nativity. Show more

A return visit to Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre for Marcus Brigstocke, Rory Bremner, Pippa Evans and Andy Hamilton with Jack Dee in the chair. Show more

Leyla Kazim dives into the world of rapid grocery delivery, meeting the startups which can deliver goods in under 10 minutes. What impact could they have on the way we shop? Show more

The latest weather forecast

Radio 4’s look at the week’s big stories from both home and around the world.

A wide and powerful range of conversations gathered for The Listening Project this past year by our team of local producers around the country. Presented by Fi Glover. Show more

Kathy Clugston hosts a Christmas edition of the gardening panel show. Show more

Lynsey Hanley tells the cautionary tale of Howard and Margaret, who are leaseholders of a handsome Georgian style property in central Newcastle. Show more

1/2 The Nativity. The residents of Ambridge present a magical new version of the Mediaeval dramas, telling the Christmas story with warmth, humour and festive cheer. Show more

Elizabeth Day and Johny Pitts look back at highlights of their first year at the helm, from Booker Prize winner Damon Galgut to exciting debuts authors such as Raven Leilani. Show more

Jay Rayner hosts a culinary panel show packed full of tasty titbits. Show more

How a simple DNA test turned worlds upside down, leading to profound questions of identity. Show more

Mark Coles looks at the life and career of jazz icon Pharoah Sanders following the release of his first new album in nearly 20 years. Show more

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping.

The latest weather reports and forecast

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Bella Mackie presents her pick of the best podcasts of 2021. Show more

Susan’s got the wrong end of the stick and Usha’s feeling mischievous. Show more

As Quote… Unquote ends its magnificent run, host Nigel Rees presents a compilation of some of the most memorable quotes from over 500 episodes. Show more

Susannah Fielding continues Eley Williams' series set in a village gripped by chess, and where dark secrets lurk behind its closed doors. Today: another small act of revenge... Show more

Following the death of archbishop Desmond Tutu, Gerry Northam takes a look at the life of one of the 20th century’s most famous churchmen. Show more

Adam Fleming of BBC’s Newscast explains why he thinks it works, and Annabelle Dowler who plays Kirsty in The Archers talks about her role and producing the Christmas plays. Show more

Actor Jeremy Irons reads the poetry of TS Eliot. Show more

Carer and author Catherine Jessop makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Encephalitis Society. Show more

Howard Jacobson reflects on why Christmas has always drawn him to the water's edge. Show more

The Capitol riot, Sarah Everard, Prince Philip, Afghanistan - but also 'Succession', Angela Merkel, the Euros and Emma Raducanu. Adam Fleming and his guests reflect on 2021's news. Show more