This week’s Bible readings seem haphazard: David and Nathan (not that story), blessings on Roman Christians, Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary, and Mary’s song. And the Mary stories aren’t even in chronological order! But careful reading reveals two “golden threads” running through them: God’s benevolent action in fulfilling divine promises and the widening inclusiveness of beneficiaries of God’s benevolence.

In 2 Samuel 7, King David wants to build God a “house.” God doesn’t want one and tells Nathan to tell David, “The Lord will make you a house,” a dynasty (v. 11). Remember that when you hear Christmas references to “house and lineage of David.” In Romans 16, Paul reminds Roman Christians of God’s mysterious inclusion of the Gentiles “made known through the prophetic writings” (v. 26). God expands promises to people to whom they weren’t originally made.

Gabriel announces that Mary’s son will have “the throne of his ancestor David” and “will reign . . . forever” (Luke 1:32-33). The promise to David is to be fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. (Nazareth!?) Mary greets Elizabeth, who confirms Gabriel’s promise saying, “Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord” (Luke 1:45). In response, Mary sings the Magnificat, which closes by affirming that all it describes is “according to the promise [God] made to our ancestors, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

These texts disclose God’s faithfulness in fulfilling promises—some made generations ago—not only to those to whom they were made and their descendants but to everyone. God’s hesed (loving-kindness) includes David, Mary, Paul’s church in Rome, Gentiles, and us. We are challenged to accept with Mary’s faithful hope the promises God announces which, in the fullness of God’s time, will be fulfilled.