The three New Testament letters of John are concerned with the development and well-being of the early Christian congregations. They share the significance of Christ's incarnation and his unique sacrifice, urging the churches to continue to seek God. Although written in the first century, the letters remain a source of wisdom and inspiration for people today. Respected Christian Community priest Roger Druitt offers a new translation of the letters alongside a thought-provoking commentary, which includes both the historical and cultural background to the letters and insightful studies on key aspects such as righteousness, love and truth. Throughout, the author illuminates the truly modern character of the letters, showing how they speak to a universal vision of humanity.

`[The student] should look at the world with keen, healthy senses and quickened power of observation, and then give himself up to the feeling that arises within him... This feeling penetrates the superficial aspect of things and in so doing touches their secrets.' - Rudolf Steiner How can one progress from the ordinary, everyday vision of the senses to a perception of the subtle life- and spiritual forces around us - the very forces that shape nature? Basing his work on the research of both J. W. Goethe and Rudolf Steiner, Roger Druitt begins with the fundamental question, `What can you see?' He presents a series of practical exercises for observing nature which, through diligent practise, allow for the maturation of subtle capacities of perception. Considering multiple species of leaves, for example, leads to the concept of `leaf' itself. After this basic groundwork is established, steps can be taken towards a comprehension of further aspects, such as metamorphosis, gesture and type. Druitt demonstrates how this method - what he calls `anthroposophical phenomenology' - can be applied in other fields of nature observation, opening the way for its use in all areas of life. In each case, whether working with bees, rocks, stars or colour, he shows how one can access the `individuality' manifested in what is studied. Through a thorough step-by-step process we are led to the ultimate task: that of redeeming the beings of nature and of the earth itself.

'I invite you to travel with me along the spiral of the yearly festivals, to share what I have discovered there in the 40 years I have been exploring this path. I hope you will find a fuller feeling for your own festivals and a latent creative talent for them within your domestic or working situation. I also hope your festivals become a real link between your own spirit and the spirit that weaves through the year.' - from the Introduction The esoteric path of development described in this book is suitable for anyone, regardless of religious persuasion. It offers ways - through meditative and contemplative work - in which each of us can participate in the yearly festive and seasonal cycle. Festivals of the Year takes as its premise that the Earth is a living being. In earlier ages, she existed through her inherent vitality, but now the Earth needs us to help nourish and sustain her. Basing his work on the research of Rudolf Steiner, the author indicates how we can participate in festivals through our inner, spiritual self. The human 'I' or ego can be enhanced by accessing forces from beyond Nature, which in turn can re-enliven the Earth. Engaging with festivals through meditative effort, we become creators ourselves, transcending the purely commemorative, and entering a living, creative dynamic. The practical exercises in this book enable an experience of this, allowing for a perception of the true power of Christianity.