Christmas Eve
Today’s Readings:
Psalm 89:1-8 and 2 Samuel 7:1-17
What David Did & What David Didn’t
David’s story shows us what’s possible—and what’s not.
As a shepherd, David learned patience and wrote songs that became Israel’s hymns. As a warrior, he defeated Goliath and protected his people from enemies. Even while fleeing from King Saul, David showed integrity and honor.
But David wasn’t perfect. He fell into sin, setting off events that hurt his family. He couldn’t build the Temple in Jerusalem, as God had planned that for someone else. Most importantly, David couldn’t be the Messiah.
In 2 Samuel 7:8–16, God makes a promise to David—a covenant. Unlike human promises, a covenant relies on God’s faithfulness more than our actions. God says:
“Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16)
Generations later, when Israel was in exile, it seemed God’s promise was forgotten. Prophets like Isaiah and Micah reminded the people that God was still at work, but the waiting was hard. Then, in Luke 1, everything changes. A Palestinian teenage girl named Mary is visited by an angel who tells her announces she will bear a son, saying:
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:32–33)
God’s promise to David wasn’t forgotten—it was fulfilled in Jesus. David was a great king and fearless warrior, but he couldn’t win the battle of the heart. However, Jesus, David’s descendant, was perfect. Fully God and fully human, He is the only one worthy to be King. Jesus’ kingdom isn’t about land or borders—it’s within us. When we let Him lead, we bring glimpses of Heaven into the darkness of this world.
Dig Deeper
“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.’” (Luke 2:28–32)
Have you ever waited for something exciting—a big event, a birthday, or a new movie? Waiting can be challenging; sometimes, our expectations make it even harder.
Simeon and Anna, two lesser-known figures in the Christmas story, waited their whole lives to see God’s promise fulfilled. In fact, everyone was waiting for David’s Messianic ancestor to arrive. But, while most people gave up hope, Simeon and Anna stayed faithful.
One day, a poor young couple arrived at the Temple with their newborn and a humble offering of two pigeons. To most, it was an ordinary day. But to Simeon and Anna, God whispered, “This is it!” Because they were watching with eyes of faith, they recognized the child as the fulfillment of God’s promise.
This Christmas, take a lesson from Simeon and Anna. Look for glimpses of Heaven in everyday life. And if you’re waiting for God to move, use the time to align your expectations with His plans. You might just be surprised by what you find.
