This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!
This song is among my earliest musical memories. The repetitive lyrics and unforgettable melody, coupled with fun hand motions, made it an instant hit for me as a little person and burrowed deep into my heart and mind.
Many versions of this catchy tune swirled around me throughout my youth. We sang a certain set of verses for the Sunday School openings in the Fellowship Hall of my church. Some of the words changed when we used it for VBS (Vacation Bible School) and still other verses popped up in the rotation at Camp Mowana Lutheran Camp on hot summer days. “This Little Light of Mine” was a constant traveling companion.
Several resources note that it was originally written by Harry Dixon Loes around 1920 as a children’s song and then embraced by many during the Civil Rights Movement. “The song, which has simple, repetitive lines with only one change per verse, lends itself to learning quickly and singing along, perfect for bringing people together with a common cause” (operationrespect.org).
So what is this light? For Christians, this light is none other than the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, who brings light in our darkness, hope in our hopelessness, and peace to our pain.
This little light of mine…
God is for us and comes to us in the presence of Jesus. The Spirit of God intersects our lives and dwells with us. When we can’t find a way forward, God meets us and guides us into whatever is next.
Hide it under a bushel? No!
This little light is a gift given to us, but it cannot be hidden or stuffed away. The Light of Christ will always shine, so God invites us to allow it to diffuse through our lives. It wasn't designed to be hoarded or muffled, but to radiate into the neighborhoods and world around us. Jesus said that we are like city lights. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Even when I’m afraid…
This little light brings us hope when we’re hopeless. In our fear and trembling, the light comes to illuminate the shadowed places. When we’re anxious, the light offers a soothing calm. In moments of loss and sorrow, God dwells ever more fully with us in our pain. When we face an uncertain future, we move ahead with an informed traveling companion.
All around the neighborhood…
This little light isn’t intended to stay on our turf. Instead, the Light of Christ hops across imaginary property lines and shines everywhere and anywhere.
In reality, this little light isn’t little at all. The Light of Christ is a massive glow of hope and grace that dominates cultures and generations as it shines throughout all time. It brings together all people under the banner of forgiveness and freedom.
This weekend, we’ll launch the Share the Light capital campaign which puts a challenging goal ahead of us to jump deeper into ministry with one another for the sake of the world. God shines through us. Let’s continue to Share the Light!
Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!
Pastor Lowell
Remember! Worship at 8 and 11 am
Celebration Event at 9:30 am
photo by Anton Corbjin