Advent Reflection 2: How Long?

Psalm 12(13)

How long, O LORD? Wilt thou forget me for ever?
    How long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

How long must I bear pain in my soul,
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
    How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
    lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him";
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

But I have trusted in thy steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

I will sing to the LORD,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.

(This version of an old Negro spiritual was performed by the New York-based ensemble Ollabelle. It was first recorded in 1926 by Odette & Ethel, and was eventually catalogued by folklorist Alan Lomax.)