Often people want to do favours for God but neglect to ask what God really wants. David wanted to build a 'house' - a temple - for God. His plans were ready, but God sent the prophet to cancel David's plans. God insisted that He did not need a house and had never asked for one. But He returned the favour by offering to build David a house - a dynasty of descendants to sit on the throne of Israel. We should do God's will rather than think about what God might like. God's promises began with Abraham, and they reached through the centuries to touch each of us. It is the promise of grace in Jesus Christ, and we tap into this grace by faith. We do not earn, merit, or deserve it - it is a gift. We can only accept in humility and faith. The birth of Jesus could only take place because of the tremendous trust in God of two individuals. The first was Mary, who consented to being the mother of Jesus despite the sacrifice called for and without a detailed explanation. The second was Joseph, who obeyed the angel and took Mary as his wife despite the misgivings that had disturbed him. Such trust on the part of humans is the means God uses to complete the work of redemption of our world. Do we have such trust?