by Rev. Herbert Nichols

God continues to speak to us through the prophet Isaiah calling for a change of heart, a change of attitude. A change of lifestyle, not just simply a kind and generous Christmas Spirit, that fizzles away like the songs and hymns on the 26th of December.

The words of God today are a sober reminder that the proud who think they can get along without God will brought down humbled and tumbled to the ground. You might remember what we said about the land of Judah on Tuesday having been destroyed by the Assyrians for their pride and lack of trust in God.

But again God promises his faithful that he stands before them. He speaks of a great city being built of firm purpose. But this is not any city. The Lord is the rock not just for any city or nation that merely talks about being founded on Judeo-Christian principles, but the Lord is a rock for the people that does justice by caring for the poor and the needy.

The promises of the Lord are not about words but about deeds. No, they are even more than that. Not merely about deeds, but about recognizing who we are -- who we all are -- sons and daughters of God.