Every now and then we at Joy Lutheran will use “This Little Light of Mine” as a closing hymn, and when we do, everyone leaves the sanctuary joyful, happy, and ready to meet the week ahead as Christian witnesses. The song was written in the 1920s by Harry Dixon Loes, who based the song on Matthew 5:16, where Jesus says, “Let your life shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” It is usually viewed as a Children’s song, but its message speaks to us all.

Most of us don’t view “This Little Light of Mine” as a Christmas carol, but maybe we should. Jesus called himself the “Light of the World;” specifically, in John 8:12 he says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In this season as part of celebrating His birth we should let His light shine.

Our previous church in North Carolina each Christmas Eve holds a Love Feast and Candle service, and it has done so continuously for over 260 years. Before the last hymn the minister talks about Jesus being the Light of the World, and then he charges all to help let that light shine. On the last verse all who are willing to do so are to indicate it by holding their candles high. The sanctuary lights are turned off, and while the last hymn is sung the congregation passes the flame down each pew, each person lighting their candle from their neighbors. By the end of the third verse, the sanctuary is softly aglow with candlelight. On the last verse, as the candles are held high, the room becomes brightly lit!

The back part of the sanctuary lies under the balcony and has a flat ceiling. One year we noticed a black smudge on the ceiling, and no one cleaned it off until the entire ceiling was repainted several years later. You see, it was a perfect symbol of one tall man’s willingness to let his light shine! This Christmas we should let our lights shine, fueled by God’s unconditional love for YOU and me.

Jim