This Little Light of Mine, ELW 677
Devotion
This little light of mine, I'm goin'-a let it shine;
this little light of mine, I'm goin'-a let it shine;
this little light of mine, I'm goin'-a let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Ev'rywhere I go, I'm goin'-a let it shine;
ev'rywhere I go, I'm goin'-a let it shine;
ev'rywhere I go, I'm goin'-a let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Jesus gave it to me, I'm goin'-a let it shine;
Jesus gave it to me, I'm goin'-a let it shine;
Jesus gave it to me, I'm goin'-a let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Worship for me centers around two powerful metaphors: "Getting washed up," or Baptism, and "Sunday dinner," or The Lord's Supper.
What comes to mind today as we reflect on salt and light is a baptism where the five-year-old brother of the baptized climbed on a stool before the lectern and began to recite in a clear, authoritative voice, "Becka, you are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before others that they see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." He then stepped down and I gave him his sister's baptismal candle. He led the way down the aisle as I held Becka and the whole congregation shouted out, "Welcome, Becka!"
I have baptized well over a thousand children and adults. During this season of light I like to imagine the illumination of all the baptized singing, "This little light of mine, I'm goin'-a let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm goin'-a let it shine."
Prayer
Jesus, you have illuminated the world with your light. Thank you for making us the light of the world. Amen.