“This Little Light of Mine” (ELW 677)
1 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.
2 Everywhere I go, I’m goin’-a let it shine;
everywhere I go, I’m goin’-a let it shine;
everywhere I go, I’m goin’-a let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
3 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.
Devotion
I’m of Scandinavian descent, so genetically I turn gloomy in winter. But I brighten up when I think of “This Little Light of Mine,” which I learned as a child, long ago in the middle of the last century, in the opening exercises of our Sunday School. Remembering this song always gives me reason to smile.
The other day, I followed a young mother at the grocery check-out counter, intensely and hurriedly bagging her groceries. “Sorry I’m in your way,” she said as I approached. “Take you time,” I said. “You have a big load to carry.” She relaxed and smiled. It was a simple thing to say. But my little light of kindness brightened up her day—and I brightened up a bit myself. Yes, “This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”
Prayer
Lord God, in the small things we do, let our light shine and reflect your loving kindness. Amen.