By Joel Pontius, assistant professor of sustainability studies and director of the sustainability leadership semester
Scripture: Psalm 80:1-7 (NRSV)
Bring us back to you, Eternal One. Let us experience your light!
Grey skies. If you’re a fellow resident of the great lakes watersheds, you know what I’m talking about. Two weeks of mwah turns into three, and when the sun breaks through the clouds we all act like half-frozen lizards, basking for our lives. In these moments, when the light is on our skin, it’s as if everything is good in the world.
One afternoon last week, my daughter and I shared a simple moment like this, standing on the hill above home. As the sun warmed our faces after weeks of cloudy skies, a flock of more than 100 sandhill cranes flew over, thousands of feet above us, speaking raucously of their pilgrimage. We were tethered together for a moment as we raised our hands to the birds, into the radiant light. The sun’s light is an everyday miracle that keeps giving all of us life – the cranes, the burr oak trees, the columbines and everyone else. What a gift!
Psalm 80 is a communal lament composed in Judah after the fall of Israel in 722 b.c. The people are begging to see God’s movement, likely hoping for something quick and conventional, such as a new ruler to reclaim power. After more than seven generations, we receive Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the light of the world who would bring us back to the Source by living a life of radical love.
May we all return to God whole-heartedly this Advent, and experience the light of the world. Seek this light today, and share it.
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.