Cruising on Loch Ness

I suppose the most important mode of transport around Inverness is the boat.



Here we see a group of pilgrims on Loch Ness hoping to meet the most important resident of this lovely city - Nessie. I shall introduce you to her tomorrow.

The A9 in Inverness

The A9 trunk road runs for 273 miles from just north of Edinburgh to Thurso. At Inverness it passes over the Moray Firth by Kessock Bridge - shown in this picture.



My new house is in a development called Kessock View. Fortunately I do not have a view of Kessock Bridge - rather I have one of the Moray Firth and the Black Isle beyond. Bishop Tripp was most impressed with the view when he visited me on Wednesday. He said the lunch was pretty good too - all from Marks & Spencer!

Inverness Airport

By London standards, this airport is very quiet, but there has been quite an increase in the volume of traffic in recent years.



Naturally there are times when there is no practical alternative to air travel, but I think we should avoid this method for domestic travel whenever possible.

Inverness Bus Station

I am a fan of train travel, but for those who prefer to travel by bus, here is a photo of Inverness Bus Station - and rather smart it is too!



Inverness is well provided with bus services, both local and long distance. For less than £10 you can purchase a weekly ticket which will take you on any bus within Inverness. Of course, once I am 60 it will all be free!

Inverness Railway Station

Here we see the main waiting area at Inverness Station.



Inverness is a real centre of the rail network with direct trains to major stations such as London Kings Cross, London Euston, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. There are also daily trains to outlying towns such as Kyle of Lochalsh, Thurso and Wick.

I shall have the joy of meeting Bishop Howard Tripp at this station tomorrow. Bishop Tripp ordained me at St Thomas Aquinas Church, Ham in July 1997, and he is coming to join me for lunch in my new home. Tomorrow is of course the Memorial of St Thomas Aquinas - how appropriate!

Inverness Castle

Here is a lovely photo of Inverness Castle.



To quote from Wikipedia:

Inverness Castle sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness, in Inverness, Scotland. The red sand stone structure evident today was built in 1836 by architect William Burn. It is built on the site of an 11th century defensive structure. Today, it houses Inverness Sheriff Court. There has been a castle at this site for many centuries.

I think it is a splendid building.

Inverness Cathedral - Scottish Episcopal Church

We complete this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by visiting the glorious Inverness Cathedral. Here is the welcome sign outside the West Door.



How sad that all Christians in Inverness are not able to share at the Eucharistic Banquet in this church. Let us pray that we will soon be in full communion with each other.

O thou, who at thy Eucharist didst pray
that all thy Church might be for ever one,
grant us at every Eucharist to say
with longing heart and soul, "thy will be done."
O may we all one Bread, one Body be,
through this blest Sacrament of unity.

For all thy Church, O Lord, we intercede;
make thou our sad divisions soon to cease;
draw us the nearer each to each, we plead,
by drawing all to thee, O Prince of Peace;
thus may we all one Bread, one Body be,
through this blest Sacrament of unity.

We pray thee too for wanderers from thy fold;
O bring them back, good Shepherd of the sheep,
back to the faith which saints believed of old,
back to the Church which still that faith doth keep;
soon may we all one Bread, one Body be,
through this blest Sacrament of unity.

So, Lord, at length when sacraments shall cease,
may we be one with all thy Church above,
one with thy saints in one unbroken peace,
one with thy saints in one unbounded love;
more blessèd still, in peace and love to be
one with the Trinity in Unity.

Happy Sunday!

St Michael & All Angels - Anglo Catholic

St Michael's, Inverness is an Episcopal parish very much in the Anglo Catholic tradition. It is a member of Forward in Faith.



It is obvious from their website that they take great care over the liturgy. For example, the hymns are very carefully chosen. Let us pray that we will soon be in full communion with the people who worship in this beautiful building.

Barn Church, Culloden - Church of Scotland

I can do no better than quote from Wikipedia:

The Barn Church is a parish church of the Church of Scotland at Culloden, in the Presbytery of Inverness. Although the congregation is relatively young, and only received full status as a parish church in its own right in the late 1980s, the building is of considerable historical interest. It was originally built as a tithe barn for the estate of Culloden House, and in 1746 it was used by the Jacobite army as accommodation on the night before the Battle of Culloden. During the 19th century it was used as a blacksmith's workshop, before being taken over by the East Church of Inverness as a mission station in the early 20th century. When it was granted the status of a church extension charge in the 1970s, the congregation erected a new church called "the New Barn" (designed with architectural "barn metaphors") which is joined to the old building; the historic building (the "Old Barn") today serves as the church hall.

Let us pray that we will soon be in full communion with the people who attend this remarkable church.

City Life Church - Inverness

Today we pray for the City Life Church in Inverness. Members of this church meet every Sunday at 10.30 am in the Caledonian Suite of the Ramada Hotel in Church Street, Inverness. How refreshing to find a church with such a clear statement of their beliefs published on their web site. This church is part of the Christian Outreach Centre. Let us pray that we will soon be in full communion with the members of this church.

Baptist Church

Here is a photo of Inverness Baptist Church - a rather impressive building.



Whilst it is sad that we don't share the Lord's Table with other Christians, it is particularly sad that this particular denomination does not recognise baptisms performed in other churches. Let us pray that we will soon be in full communion with the people who belong to the Baptist Church.

Methodist Church

Here we have a lovely image of Inverness Methodist Church.



I often think that I would be very happy in the Methodist Church - they have such a love of hymn singing! I am a great fan of the hymns of Charles Wesley. Please pray that we will soon be in full communion with members of the Methodist Church.

Greek Orthodox Church

I was unable to find a suitable image for the Greek Orthodox Church in Scotland - but this is St Andrew's Cathedral in Kentish Town, London. Please pray that we will soon be in full communion with the people who attend this church.

Russian Orthodox Church

Here we have an image from St Kentigern's Russian Orthodox Community in Glasgow. Please pray that we will soon be in full communion with the people who attend this church.

Happy Sunday!

Sing lullaby!

This is our last day for Christmas carols, and here we have a lovely carol which moves us on our way from the stable at Bethlehem to the hill of Calvary and the Easter garden.



Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now reclining,
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the Infant King.
Angels are watching, stars are shining
Over the place where he is lying.
Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now a-sleeping,
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the Infant King.
Soon will come sorrow with the morning,
Soon will come bitter grief and weeping:
Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now a-dozing,
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the Infant King.
Soon comes the cross, the nails, the piercing,
Then in the grave at last reposing:
Sing lullaby!

Sing lullaby!
Lullaby! is the babe a-waking?
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not stir the Infant King.
Dreaming of Easter, gladsome morning,
Conquering Death, its bondage breaking:
Sing lullaby!

Tomorrow we shall start a series of eight posts to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Torches, torches, run with torches!

Torches, torches, run with torches
All the way to Bethlehem!
Christ is born and now lies sleeping:
Come and sing your song to him!

Torches, torches, run with torches
All the way to Bethlehem!
Christ is born and now lies sleeping:
Come and sing your song to him!

Ah, roro, roro, my baby,
Ah, roro, my love, roro;
Sleep you well, my heart’s own darling,
While we sing you our roro.

Sing, my friends, and make you merry,
Joy and mirth and joy again;
Lo! he lives, the King of Heaven,
Now and evermore. Amen

OK - these people might not be running , but they are in Bethlehem!

Please pray for my sister (Wendy) who is having a minor operation this afternoon. She should be back home after the weekend. [7 pm update - all went well!]

Good King Wenceslas

Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.
Brightly shone the moon that night, though the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.

“Hither, page, and stand by me, if you know it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes’ fountain.”

“Bring me food and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither,
You and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither.”
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together,
Through the cold wind’s wild lament and the bitter weather.

“Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger,
Fails my heart, I know not how; I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, my good page, tread now in them boldly,
You shall find the winter’s rage freeze your blood less coldly.”

In his master’s steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
You who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.

Past three o'clock

Past three o' clock,
And a cold frosty morning
Past three o' clock,
Good morrow, masters all !

Born is a baby,
Gentle as may be
Son of the eternal
Father supernal

Past three o'clock etc...

Seraph choir singeth
Angel bell ringeth
Hark how they rhyme it
Time it and chime it

Past three o' clock etc...

Mid earth rejoices
Hearing such voices
Ne'ertofore so well
Carolling nowell

Past three o' clock etc...

Hinds o'er the pearly
Dewy lawn early
Seek the high stranger
Laid in the manger

Past three o' clock etc...

Cheese from the dairy
Bring they for Mary
And not for money
Butter and honey

Past three o' clock etc...

Light out of star-land
Leadeth from far land
Princes, to meet him
Worship and greet him

Past three o' clock etc...

Myrrh from the coffer
Incense they offer
Nor is the golden
Nugget withholden

Past three o' clock etc...

Thus say : I pray you
Up, sirs, and stay you
Till ye confess him
Likewise, and bless him

Past three o' clock etc...

Tomorrow shall be my dancing day

Tomorrow shall be my dancing day;
I would my true love did so chance
To see the legend of my play,
To call my true love to my dance;

Chorus
Sing, oh! my love, oh! my love, my love, my love,
This have I done for my true love

Then was I born of a virgin pure,
Of her I took fleshly substance
Thus was I knit to man's nature
To call my true love to my dance. Chorus

In a manger laid, and wrapped I was
So very poor, this was my chance
Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass
To call my true love to my dance. Chorus

Then afterwards baptized I was;
The Holy Ghost on me did glance,
My Father’s voice heard from above,
To call my true love to my dance. Chorus

Another charming carol - one of the few hymns that makes reference to the Baptism of the Lord.

Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing?

Although the Christmas Season finished yesterday (in the Modern Roman Rite), I am going to keep the festivities going for the rest of this week - until we start the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity on 18 January. How sad that so many signs of Christmas disappear on 26 December!



Whence is the goodly fragrance flowing,
Stealing our senses all away,
never the like did come a-blowing,
Shepherds, in flow'ry fields of May,
Whence is that goodly fragrance flowing,
Stealing our senses all away.

What is that light so brilliant, breaking
Here in the night across our eyes.
Never so bright, the day-star waking,
Started to climb the morning skies!
What is that light so brilliant, breaking,
Here in the night across our eyes.

Bethlehem! there in manger lying,
Find your Redeemer haste away,
Run ye with eager footsteps vieing!
Worship the Saviour born today.
Bethlehem! there in manger lying,
Find your Redeemer haste away.

Now the holly bears a berry

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.



Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk,
And Mary bore Jesus, who was wrapped up in silk:
And Mary bore Jesus Christ our Saviour for to be,
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly.
Holly! Holly!
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly!

Now the holly bears a berry as green as the grass,
And Mary bore Jesus, who died on the cross:
And Mary bore Jesus Christ our Saviour for to be,
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly.
Holly! Holly!
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly!

Now the holly bears a berry as black as the coal,
And Mary bore Jesus, who died for us all:
And Mary bore Jesus Christ our Saviour for to be,
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly.
Holly! Holly!
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly!

Now the holly bears a berry, as blood is it red,
Then trust we our Saviour, who rose from the dead:
And Mary bore Jesus Christ our Saviour for to be,
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly.
Holly! Holly!
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly!

More good teaching in this lovely Cornish carol.

Happy Feast!

The holly and the ivy

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall;
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly and the ivy
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

There is some excellent teaching in this simple Christmas carol!

Ding dong! merrily on high

Ding dong! merrily on high,
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

I do like the sound of church bells. Sadly, Catholic churches are rarely blessed with a good peal of bells.

The first Nowell

The first Nowell the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Refrain:
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east beyond them far,
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night. Refrain

And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. Refrain

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
o'er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay
right over the place where Jesus lay. Refrain

Then entered in those wise men three
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Refrain

Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood mankind hath bought. Refrain

This carol needs to be sung quite quickly!

Bethlehem of noblest cities

Bethlehem, of noblest cities
none can once with thee compare;
thou alone the Lord from heaven
didst for us incarnate bear.

Fairer than the sun at morning
was the star that told his birth;
to the lands their God announcing,
seen in fleshly form on earth.

By its lambent beauty guided
see the eastern kings appear;
see them bend, their gifts to offer,
gifts of incense, gold and myrrh.

Solemn things of mystic meaning:
incense doth the God disclose,
gold a royal child proclaimeth,
myrrh a future tomb foreshows.

Holy Jesus, in thy brightness
to the Gentile world displayed,
with the Father and the Spirit
endless praise to thee be paid.

Let us pray for peace in Bethlehem and the Holy Land at this time.

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning

I don't know which choir this young gentleman belongs to, but it is certainly not Westminster Cathedral! The Master of Music would go mad if the choristers had snowball fights whilst wearing their cassocks!



Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are shining;
Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall.
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all.

Say, shall we not yield Him, In costly devotion
Odours of Edom and offerings divine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?

Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would His favour secure.
Richer by far is the heart's adoration;
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Let us remember with gratitude at this Christmas Season all those who provide music in our cathedrals and churches.

As with gladness men of old

As with gladness, men of old
Did the guiding star behold
As with joy they hailed its light
Leading onward, beaming bright
So, most glorious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.

As with joyful steps they sped
To that lowly manger bed
There to bend the knee before
Him Whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare
At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin's alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

In the heavenly country bright,
Need they no created light;
Thou its light, its joy, its crown,
Thou its sun which goes not down;
There forever may we sing
Alleluias to our King!

Another superb hymn!

We three kings

Today, many Catholics are celebrating the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Others are waiting until 6 January.



We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Glorious now behold Him arise
King and God and Sacrifice
Heaven sings Alleluia, Alleluia
The earth replies

O Star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light

Happy Sunday/Feast!

In the bleak midwinter

We are continuing with our snow theme today!



In the bleak midwinter,
frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron,
water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow,
snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter,
long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him
nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away
when he comes to reign:
in the bleak midwinter
a stable place sufficed
the Lord God almighty,
Jesus Christ.

Angels and archangels
may have gathered there
cherubim and seraphim
thronged the air;
but only his mother,
in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the beloved
with a kiss.

What can I give him,
poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man,
I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him
give my heart.

Lovely words by Christina Rossetti.

See amid the winter's snow

See amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see, the tender Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years.
Refrain:
Hail thou ever blessèd morn,
hail redemption's happy dawn,
sing through all Jerusalem:
Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Lo, within a manger lies
he who built the starry skies;
he who, thronèd in height sublime,
sits amid the cherubim. Refrain

Say, ye holy shepherds, say,
what your joyful news today.
wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep? Refrain

"As we watched at dead of night,
lo, we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Savior's birth." Refrain

Sacred Infant, all divine,
what a tender love was thine,
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this. Refrain

Teach, O teach us, holy Child,
by thy face so meek and mild,
teach us to resemble thee,
in thy sweet humility. Refrain

This is one of my favourite Christmas carols.

Once in royal David's city

Today, as we celebrate New Year's Day, we give thanks for Mary the Mother of God.



Once in royal David's city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her baby
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.

He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour Holy.

And through all His wondrous childhood
He would honour and obey,
Love and watch the lowly Maiden,
In whose gentle arms He lay:
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as He.

For He is our childhood's pattern;
Day by day, like us He grew;
He was little, weak and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that Child so dear and gentle
Is our Lord in heaven above,
And He leads His children on
To the place where He is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in heaven,
Set at God's right hand on high;
Where like stars His children crowned
All in white shall wait around.

What glorious words! Happy New Year!