“The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfil the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” (Jeremiah 33:14-16)  Happy New Year!  We begin a new liturgical year on this first Sunday of Advent.  For many years, I have taken comfort in the way in which the church marks time.  In the church, you and I are invited to mark time not only by the Earth’s journey around the Sun but by our own journey around the Son!  You and I are invited to mark time grounded in the reality of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  And so we begin by waiting, by anticipating.  Right off the bat, you and I are encouraged to not just do something, but to stand there!  You and I are called to stop our frantic activity for these next few weeks and hear again the promise.  Jeremiah reminds us that it is in the midst of turmoil and destruction, it is in the very moment when our resources are exhausted, that God will do something remarkable.  Jerusalem is shaking in Jeremiah’s day.  They are surrounded and about to be destroyed.  It is in that context that this promise is given.  Out of nowhere our salvation will come.  A new David will arise, far superior to the first.  The Lion of the tribe of Judah shall appear and he will be our righteousness.  Our sin and brokenness shall be exchanged for his righteousness and healing.  Therefore, we wait.  Where do you see brokenness and turmoil in your life?  How do you need to hear the promise and believe again?  Who do you know whose life is seemingly out of control?  With whom might you share the promise of waiting and looking for the salvation that Jesus brings?  In Christ, all things will be all right, you know.  Have a great week!