Kinlochleven Church - the next service is on Sunday 11 January at 10.00 am led by the Rev. Marion Kinnear.

Duror Church - the next service is on Sunday 11 January at 10.30 am led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear. 

Nether Lochaber Church - the next service is on Sunday 4 January at 11.30 am led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear and held in the church hall.

South Lochaber Parish : 

Bible Study - on 6 January at 10.45 in Jeremy's home - Quiz time and mince pies.

Bible Study - Kinlochleven at 11.00 am. Date to be announced.

Sunday 4 January 2026  South Lochaber Church - available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/biToiXLGup8

Opening Verse ‘Herds of camels shall cover your land’ (Isaiah 60:6)

Carol

As with gladness men of old

did the guiding star behold,

as with joy they hailed its light,

leading onward, beaming bright;

so, most gracious Lord, may we

evermore be led to thee.

Prayer Lord who has brought us to the start of another year, watch over us. Help us stay

close to you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bible Reading Matthew 2:1-2, 9, 11 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during 

the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the

one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to 

worship him.” The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over

the place where the child was. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother

Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and

presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Message I came across a picture of my father on a camel during his years of national 

service, 1945-47. Camels were widely used in Bible times, for ploughing, harrowing, for 

conveying luggage or people. It is likely that the visitors from the east, came from Persia or 

Arabia. They were following the star and may well have traversed the long, dusty roads on 

camels like this one.

Camels are known for their ability to cope with harsh dry conditions, carry heavy loads and

they do not sink into the desert sand. The wise men or magi needed courage and resilience

dealing with Herod.

We need these strengths too. As we begin another year we need the help and resilience 

that God supplies as we look to him. The wise men went to Jerusalem and consulted with

Herod. They were nearly taken in by his murderous intents. In today’s world we need to be

wary of those who appear good but are devious. Beware of scams! Jesus was born into a

situation of difficulty. Troubles began from day one; the need to take shelter in a stable was

an indication of future challenge. In three years of earthly ministry, he had no home base,

and even in infancy had to flee from danger.

Their journey of the magi bearing expensive gifts was a sign of the fulfilment of an ancient prophecy, that kings and others from Sheba in Arabia would come to see the glory, the light of God’s people.

The magi or wise men followed a star. It led them to Christ. God has many ways of helping us find Jesus. In the wonder of his redeeming love, he reaches out to us and draws us to himself.

The wise men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh, precious gifts from their own land. These were highly appropriate for an anointed king, priest and prophet. These expressed their worship and delight in finding the Saviour. Worship, submission and love from our hearts are worth more than any gifts we can bring. We have found a Saviour. For those still asking, ‘where is he,’ we can help them find the answer.

This is about the glory of Christ’s coming, God coming in grace and mercy to establish a

kingdom of peace and righteousness. God’s glory was shining in the human life of the infant

Jesus, in that manger. The miracle of the incarnation is that God took our human condition

into himself. Jesus shared our humanity, our aches, pains, worries and sorrows.

He continues to do so in his risen glorified humanity.

The visits of the shepherds and the magi were an expression of support and affirmation for

the holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Love for each other and for God united the holy

family. May we reach out in sympathy and in support for families with struggles. In Britain

today there are many uprooted from their own country. 

Prayer O Lord, may we learn resilience as we recall the Saviour’s birth. Amen.