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THIS LITTLE LIGHT
OF MINE
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.
Text: African
American spiritual
This African
American spiritual is one of our grandson Blake’s favorite Sunday
school hymns, and I dedicate this devotion in his memory.
The Bible has
more than 40 references to light. Most are spoken by or about
Jesus, who refers to himself as “… the light of the world.” (John
8:12)
But the verse
that most closely coincides with this hymn is part of our
baptismal liturgy: “Let your light shine before others, so that
they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in
heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
The “light” in
this hymn and verse refers to each of us as children of our
heavenly Father, created by God, in his image. Our faith is the
fuel for our light. And by living our lives each day as we have
been commanded, we shine and glow and become like John “... a
witness to testify to the light (Jesus Christ), so that all might
believe through him.” (John 1:7) Our actions, our attitudes, our
interactions each day reflect our true light, as the second verse
attests: “Everywhere I go, I’m goin’-a let it shine.”
Then the third
verse wraps it all up and tells us exactly how our light
originated. “Jesus gave it to me, I’m goin’-a let it shine.”
Father, allow our
light to be a bright beacon, each day reflecting our faith and
love for you. Help us to always do what is pleasing in your sight
as our light attests to your grace.
Bob L.
Livingston |
