From the Book of Samuel, we learnt that David wanted to build a house - a temple - for God. As a King, David thought his plan was aligned to God's. But God would not hear of it, for God had no need of a fixed dwelling. Instead, God promised David that there would always be one of his descendants on the throne of Israel. Unfortunately, not all those descendants would be worthy, but the promise would still stand, for God is faithful. God's promises are fulfilled in God's time and God's ways, not ours. Our job is to hold fast to faith in God's promises and God's faithfulness - that is what counts for righteousness. Believing in God is just as important as believing in the promises of God.

Those promises were finally fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Through the message of the angel Gabriel, Mary believed God and gave her assent. Joseph at first had a very human reaction to the situation, but after angelic assurance, he gave himself wholeheartedly to being the protector of the Holy Family. His personal dream was later aligned and sanctified by the birth of a holy baby. As a well- known carpenter, Joseph was a builder of houses, an artisan of virtue - and eventually, of the Church too. God's work is accomplished through human cooperation, humility, and generosity - something we should always remember.