Let Your Face Shine

 

Psalm 80 is a litany of confession, a longing for a renewed relationship with the God we worship. Throughout the psalm this refrain is repeated: "Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved."

Advent is a time to seek restoration of our often broken relationship with Christ. In addition to our individual sins, we are also mindful of our stubbornness as a people to care for widow, the orphan, the immigrant. As we long for more just and peaceful world, the work begins with sitting in the warm glow of God's forgiveness. "Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved."

The angel beholds Christ's glory. Forgiven and empowered, may the light of Christ shine in and through us today.

God of justice and peace,

from the heavens you rain down mercy and kindness,

that all on earth may stand in awe and wonder

before your marvelous deeds.

Raise our heads in expectation,

that we may yearn for the coming day of the Lord

and stand without blame before your Son, Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen