What does our reading today from the Book of Samuel say about the birth of Jesus Christ? King David tells the Prophet Nathan that he’s going to build God a kingly palace like his own. The grand palace in our picture above is what he plans to build.

In reply God says: “Should you build me a house to dwell in? I took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel.I have been with you wherever you went.” There is no way you can match the love of a God who humbles himself to come in a stable, David is told, A stable door, always open, is more easily entered than the door to a palace..

“The LORD also reveals to you

that he will establish a house for you.

And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,

I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,

and I will make his Kingdom firm.

I will be a father to him,

and he shall be a son to me.

Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me;

your throne shall stand firm forever.’” (2 Samuel 7)

In this great prophecy, called the “Dynastic Oracle,” God promises to be with David and his descendants forever. God will give him an heir whose kingdom will be firm. “I will be a father to him and he a son to me.” Even if his descendants  are unworthy, sinful, God will not turn away, as God did with Saul. His promise stands unbroken, forever.

How often in the gospels Jesus is called “Son of David.” No passing visitor, who come and goes, his kingdom endures; his throne stands forever. He will never turn away. His door is always open. Each morning at prayer we hear Zachariah’s canticle.” The tender compassion of our God. like the dawn, is ours each day.