The First Week of Advent: Sunday

Psalm 80 is the Vespers Psalm for Advent Sunday I. Verses 1-7 form the reading in The Divine Hours for this day.

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock!
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh.
Stir up your might,
and come to save us!
Restore us, O God;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.
O Lord God of hosts,
how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
You make us the scorn^* of our neighbours;
our enemies laugh among themselves.
Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.

²Even in the excerpt you can see that this community lament is marked by a refrain: "Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved" (see verses 3, 7, 19). Note that this refrain is not only repeated, but also developed throughout the psalm.

• In the first instance, Asaph appeals to "God"
  
• In the second, he cries out, "O God of hosts"
  
• In the final refrain God is designated, "Lord God of hosts"

These poetic variations suggest a growing apprehension of the greatness and power of God to intervene and save his people. In the darkness and distress of their exile and devastation, they pray that his face will shine forth upon them; that the light of his grace and mercy will break through the darkness and set them free.

As the days grow darker during Advent, gradually swallowing our days, we pray that the light of God's presence and power will grow among us, delivering us from the forces of darkness and death.

Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved.