By Eric Bradley, head of research & instruction
Scripture: Psalm 80:1-7 (NRSV)
Setting up a home office was a surprising challenge in 2020. Over several weeks a bedroom corner morphed into a modern workstation. Daily lessons on ergonomics and video etiquette came through reading clickbait articles, watching my colleagues’ Zoom boxes, and trial and error. At last I found the right chair, placed my monitor at the right height, and situated my desk toward a natural light source.
While thankful for the back comfort this setting brought about, the most important arrangement was in proper camera lighting. Why? Video conferencing is effective because it nearly replicates face to face communication: reading nonverbal cues, developing credibility with one another and building relationships. Proper lighting allows one’s face to be seen and communication to thrive. Poor lighting makes one look like a movie villain and distracts.
This was important before Zoom too. In Psalm 80 the psalmist cries, “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” We know how helpful it is when our faces shine on Zoom, dare to imagine God’s shining face! God’s face is revealed to us in Jesus, and we discover that God’s face in Jesus is love. “We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us–and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.” 1 John 3:16
One concrete way I imagine God’s face during Advent and Christmas is to contemplate on the nativity. Bruderhof founder Eberhard Arnold once wrote, “He who would be born of God must be mindful of how Christ’s birth took place.” When I think of God’s shining face in this most humble of circumstances, it convicts me of how I should let my face shine toward others. Even off Zoom. May God’s face shine on us this Advent and Christmas.
Scripture: Psalm 80:1-7 (NRSV)
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
2before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us!
3Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
4O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?
5You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.
6You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves.
7Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.