The Glenabbey Podcast

Janet Burnside reflects on the shepherds in Luke 2 by inviting us to pause, look closely, and notice the small but significant details in the Christmas story—much like standing before a painting and suddenly spotting something that changes how you see the whole scene. She lingers over the moment when God’s glory breaks into the lives of unsuspecting, marginalised shepherds, people considered untru...

Rebekah Gardner explores the story of the wise men in Matthew 2 by setting them alongside the “wise men” who appear elsewhere in Scripture—Pharaoh’s magicians, Babylon’s astrologers, and the court diviners who ultimately proved powerless when set against the word of God. What sets Matthew’s wise men apart, she suggests, is not their learning but their humility. They respond to God’s revelation—fir...

Noreen Reid reflects on the Christ-child through the lens of Philippians 2, reminding us that the manger always pointed toward the cross. She draws our attention to the humility of Jesus, who took on flesh, lived among us in all the ordinariness and frailty of human life, and ultimately submitted to death for our sake. Against the backdrop of a season that can feel crowded with pressures, expectat...

Jill Campbell reflects on the way December gathers pace, pulling us toward hurry, noise, and overcommitment, and how Advent gently invites us back to the presence of Jesus. She shares a prayer of peace—adapted from Lannier Ivester—for those feeling stretched, exhausted, anxious, or emotionally tangled as Christmas approaches. The prayer asks God to grant wisdom, rest, and clarity, to help us disce...

In this devotional, Sharon Seymour reflects on the familiar figures surrounding Jesus’ birth—Zachariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds—and highlights how their ordinary lives were interrupted by God in extraordinary ways. She traces how each person was met by an angel, reassured not to fear, and invited into God’s unfolding plan of salvation. Sharon draws attention to their vulnerability, uncerta...

Matthew Craig turns to an unlikely Christmas text in Romans 15, revealing how Paul presents the birth of Christ as news that stretches far beyond Israel alone. He shows that Jesus arrives as the fulfilment of Israel’s promises, yet in doing so opens the door for those outside the original covenant story. Matthew traces Paul’s argument that Christ came as Israel’s Messiah—fulfilling ancient promise...

In this devotional, Ally Bennett reflects on the “prequel” to the Christmas story through Zachariah’s prophecy in Luke 1. She lingers over the tender affection in Zachariah’s words to his long-awaited son, John, and the overwhelming hope that bursts out of him once his voice is restored. Ally draws out the joy of a father’s love, the anticipation of God’s long-promised salvation, and the privilege...

Alan Johnston reflects on Advent as the season that celebrates Christ’s coming “at just the right time.” Drawing on Galatians 4:4, he highlights how the incarnation wasn’t a coincidence or a lucky convergence of events, but the perfectly timed act of God, set against the backdrop of world history, prophecy, and expectation. Alan then turns to the present, reminding us that the God who sent His Son...

With Chris Cooke, and Simon Lennox

With Chris Cooke, and Glen Scrivener

With Chris Cooke, and Phil Knox

With David Mairs, Jenny Baines, and Rebecca Richards

With Chris Cooke, and Gray Gardner

With Keith Jackson, Lucy Bennett, Jenna Gilpin, James Montgomery and Hannah Williamson.

With Chris Cooke, Gemma Potter, Carol Anne Crowe, and Jenni McClelland

With Chris Cooke and David Wilson

With Keith Jackson, Hayley Cullen, Daniel Hamilton, Jonathan Montgomery (Monty), and Martin Spence

With Keith, Robin, Dean, and Joanne

With Keith Jackson, Alan Johnston, Robyn Harris, and Colin Barr

With Chris Cooke, Connie Bamford, Anna-Jael Seymour, Andy Seymour, & Jamie Yohanis

With Chris Cooke, Michael Holmes, Diane Davidson, and Willie Morgan

With Chris Cooke, Keith Jackson, Helen Dunn, Janet Burnside, and Heather McCartney Find out more about our Community Ministries and Partners that focus on supporting individuals and families: https://glenabbey.church/support

With Chris Cooke, and Gilbert Lennox Download Gilbert's written introduction: Messiah: The Final Stage of the Journey