'For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' (Isaiah 9:6)

The Christmas message is about God’s gift to us – to all of us. The only question is will we unwrap the present or leave it sitting there until next year?

'May the King live for ever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.' (Daniel 6:21-22)

This week we finish our series on Daniel, with perhaps the most famous story: Daniel in the Lion’s den.

Daniel's unwavering integrity in worshipping the God he knows to be true is a profound example for us, showcasing the importance of standing firm in one's convictions while remaining kind and respectful to all.

"I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me." (Psalm 25:2)

Our main reading is Daniel 5, the origin of the phrase, “The writing is on the wall.”

Advent is a time when we remember that God will ultimately win. Whoever seems victorious in the present will face God’s judgement in the future. Advent is a chance to remind ourselves to keep trusting in Christ, so that we will not be put to shame.

"[The Son of Man] was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and people of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14)

It is Advent Sunday, and we will be looking at Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 which shows us God’s perspective on the future.

”They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” (Daniel 3:28b)

This Sunday, we continue our series on Daniel with a look at the time, when Daniel’s friends resisted strong pressure to worship a golden statue.

"God reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness,

and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:22)

This Sunday, we return to our series on Daniel. Faced with an impossible seeming challenge from the boss, Daniel turns to prayer. As a result, Daniel brings some powerful and challenging truths to the king

"[The LORD] will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Micah 4:3)

When you look at the reality of humanity and history, it is hard to see how people can ever achieve lasting peace. There is no hope. Yet Micah portrays a hope rooted in the God of the Bible. It is only by his actions that wars will one day cease, that peace will come.

”Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

This week we begin a series on the book of Daniel. The book includes some well know Bible stories, such as Daniel in the lions’ den, but also weird dreams and visions similar to those in Revelation.

“You will live in joy and peace. The Mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!” Isaiah 55:1-12

This Bible Sunday let’s take the call afresh to delight in God’s word, to meditate on it day and night and to enable and pray for the increasing Bible translations.

"There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5)

This future vision gives us hope now. The evil in our world is temporary, but what is good has a future and our relationship with God will truly flourish. This is God’s vision for the future, but as well as giving us something to look forward to, it should inform our plans and what we invest in and work for now.