LET your little light SHINE
As little children one of the favorite songs to sing in Sunday school is “This Little Light of Mine.” I can still see myself, dressed in my best dress holding my finger up like a little candle as we “Beginner’s Class” stood before the congregation singing the chorus, proud that we could be a part of the program, and a little scared of standing in front of everyone. The idea of the song has resonated in my mind for the past eighty-some years. Have I let my light shine?
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16
During the Christmas season, light is everywhere. My Christmas lights are a bit puny in comparison to many homes, but I try—LED candles in the windows; lighted wreath on the door; little lighted tree on the patio (The tree kept blowing over until I Duck-taped the tree to a heavy crock); a lighted tree in my office. I look out my front window in the evening and the apartments across the other side of the lawn are all bedecked in lights; colorful lights or twinkling white lights shine from Christmas trees in windows; driving on the local roads and through the city the varied lighted displays light up the darkness. Why not? After all, Christmas celebrates the entrance of the LIGHT of the World into humanity. Can you imagine the light from the star of Bethlehem? This light was so strong it prompted the wise men/kings to follow it. Can you see the brilliance of the angel chorus as they announced the arrival of the LIGHT?
The above verses are my theme scripture for the year ahead, 2026. I want to reflect His Light to the world where He has placed me. How will I do this?
I need to: know what I believe about God and Jesus and be able to speak about my beliefs to others; learn to combine kindness and courage in sharing the truth; surrender my pet sins, ugly attitudes, wrong motives, wasted time, and wicked thoughts, and replace them with love—love for God and love for others; learn to find joy and peace in a world of misery and conflict; replace impulsive behavior by learning longsuffering—meaning patience when there may be no reprieve in sight; anticipate the second Advent.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22: 20 [i]
I have been writing these journals over the previous nine years, and I hope you have been blessed and encouraged whether you have been reading my journals from the beginning, or are a recent reader. This coming year I hope to expand on the subject of shedding light in the dark world we live in, as we reflect the glorious Light of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I would welcome your comments, insights, and prayers as we go forward in our tenth year as the Lord permits.
Prayer: May the Lord bless you in the year ahead. Amen
June
Video of children singing “This Little Light of Mine.” (Ads may be attached.) https://youtu.be/yRhDi2aK5ac?t=3
[i] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2022%3A%2020&version=NKJV
