Kinlochleven Church - the next service is on Sunday4 January at 10.00 am led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear.
Duror Church - the next service is on Sunday 11 January at 10.30 am led by the Rev. Marion Kinnear.
Nether Lochaber Church - the next service is on Sunday 4 January at 11.30 am led by the Rev. Malcolm Kinnear.
South Lochaber Parish :
Bible Study - on 6 January at 10.45 in Jeremy's home - continuing on "Joseph".
Bible Study - Kinlochleven at 11.00 am. Date to be announced.
Christmas 2025 South Lochaber Church - available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/GQfaNj4PF3E
Opening Verse ‘For to us a child is born, a son is given’ (Isaiah 9:6)
Hymn
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.
Prayer Lord of all, we think of the Saviour’s birth, help us know the joy and blessings of this special time, through Christ the Lord Amen.
Bible Reading Luke 2:1-7 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Message The Napier Commission was an official survey and enquiry into the condition of crofters in the Highlands. It was under Francis Napier or lord Napier and one of the commissioners was Donald Camron of Lochiel. Landowners sent in returns with various details of local tenants. These are published online and include some local areas, Duror and Appin.
Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem. An official order called for a survey of the people and people had to go to the place of their birth.
Circumstances can cause us to change our plans, but sometimes it can turn out beneficial. Jesus was born in David’s town, helping fulfil ancient hopes of a king like David. Arguably it led to these marvellous and beautiful scenes, of the Saviour born in a stable, in humble surrounds, with the simple care of his mother, angels and shepherds.
Part of the beauty of this solemn event is the quiet and reverential attitude of Mary and Joseph. There is no suggestion of resentment or disagreement. They accepted being caught up in a movement of God, that they were servants of the Lord. That was privilege enough, and they followed through with calm, obedient hearts. As Christians we learn that our great privilege is to serve, and the more we fall into God’s plans, the better. We trust and obey. Christian experience is entering into what God has done. It includes being caught up in the wonder of Christ’s birth, announced by an angel.
God planned the whole thing, including the humble circumstances of his arrival. Christmas is about God’s glory reflected in the most ordinary of circumstances. Many crofters in the Highlands lived in blackhouses, cottages with livestock sharing the space. Today God’s glory shines in the lives of faithful Christians who live prayerfully.
God’s plan is not always that things stay the same. Sometimes we need to hold on in faith, as did the faithful people like Mary and Elizabeth, Joseph and Zechariah. Jesus needed to be born and come amongst us, that in time his holiness, his beauty, his kindness might grow in us. As we receive Christ in his coming too us and open our harts to his grace and power, so the simple beauty of Christmas comes to us. The birth of Jesus is a moment of deep peace and wonder. The Holy Spirit will come to us the Dove of peace as we wait upon God in simple trust. Jesus came that we might experience the peace, the love and the comfort of God. God came down in a quiet corner of a busy town. We can make room for him in the quiet times we create for prayer. There was no room for him in the inn, a sign the world had no room for a Saviour in its way of thinking. In this humble manger we see God’s way of working.
Prayer Thank you Lord for Christmas Amen.