The missing spot on the list

Everything on his list was checked off.

Then he realized that he had forgotten to get something for someone very important to him.

So David made up his mind: he was going to build a house for God.

As we hear in today’s first reading (2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16), God had other ideas.

In fact, God had the greatest idea, which would be fulfilled in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate tomorrow: son of David, son of God.

As we complete our preparations for this celebration- whether by shopping for presents, getting ready for festive gatherings, or preparing for religious observances - may we remember to keep God on our list, not just by the obligation of participating in Christmas Mass, but by opening more and more a place for him in our hearts: opening ourselves to the greatest of Christmas gifts, which God in his infinite love has given to us.

Come, Lord Jesus.

And have mercy.