From The Editor

ADVENT and Christmas are probably my favourite seasons

AS THE COLD WEATHER BITES

SEND WINTER FUEL AND FOOD TO ANSWER PRAYERS OF VULNERABLE ARMENIANS

PRAYER

Advent God, as winter dusk pulls the solstice close

LETTERS

At a recent conference held by the three Church of

The Big Question

This month’s question is: ‘What was your most memorable Nativity?’

A genuine hope

Ron Ferguson explains why he believes the current problems of the world are rooted in the spiritual.

Someone is coming

The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair reflects on the messages of Advent and Christmas.

Big ideas

The Very Rev Albert Bogle explains why God is with us.

Christmas contrasts in the Holy Land

The Rev Kate McDonald offers her thoughts for Advent and beyond from Tiberias.

Christmas in Bethlehem

The Rev John McCulloch describes Christmas in the town of Jesus’ birth.

Discipleship and me

In the second part of our focus on discipleship, contributors from around the world offer their perspectives on following Jesus.

’A real honour and a real privilege’

Jackie Macadam learns about the work of the newly elected President of the Diaconate Council, Mark Evans DCS.

The Big Picture

Right photo: Summit of Meall nan Tarmachan, Killin by Lynn Smith Below: Peacock Butterfly, West Kilbride by Brenda Stewart Bottom: Roe deer on Baberton Golf course, Edinburgh by June Scott

A very pleasing country church

John R Hume reflects on the place and history of a church in the Mull of Kintyre.

’My story is also my work’

Jackie Macadam highlights the background to a new series of portraits hanging in the halls of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Transforming lives in Christ’s name

Viv Dickenson reflects on a year of social care celebration for CrossReach and the Church of Scotland.

Leo

Leo is one of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home’s longest

’We feel sad that going to Church is not common any more’

Two young Fife sisters describe their experience as part of the Church family.

Arbroath minister appointed as Moderator-Designate

Thomas Baldwin reports on the appointment of the Moderator-Designate to the 2020 General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Consider an Indian Christmas card says charity with Lanarkshire roots

Iain Park introduces unusual Christmas cards helping impoverished women in India to support their families.

Speaking and acting

The Rev Dr Martin Fair continues his study of 1 Thessalonians and emphasises the need for words in spreading the Christian faith.

CROSSWORDS

£15 book token will be awarded to the senders of the

REGISTERS

Compiled by the Ministries Council

Bethlehem reality

The Bethlehem of the celebrated carol did not reflect reality at the time of Jesus’ birth nor today explains the Very Rev Dr John Chalmers.