These final hours of Advent draw together all the promises we’ve been hearing, and today’s readings speak of one thing above all: the faithfulness of God.

In the first reading, David wants to do something generous for God. He is living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of the covenant (God’s presence among the people) rests in a tent. David’s instinct is noble, but the Lord gently corrects him: “Should you build me a house to dwell in? It was I who took you from the pasture…” The message is clear. God does not need David to build him a house; rather, God himself will build David a house—a dynasty, a line of kings, a promise that will not fade.