This little light of mine #hymn #church

A few months ago the leader of our church music group asked each member to choose a hymn that they liked.  They were asked to explain what they liked about their hymn and then the music group had a go at playing it.  Rachel chose the hymn "this little light of mine".

She said she remembered it from when she was younger and she liked the way it told us to live happy lives and show everyone that it's because Jesus loves us.  I had no idea she remembered singing it, it was a often sang at the 1130 family communion service but that stopped 5 years ago.  It just goes to show, the early years are a foundation of great importance.

Here are the words to the hymn; composed by Harry Dixon Loes in the 1920s.

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
let it shine,
let it shine,
let it shine.

Light that shines is the light of love,
Hides the darkness from above,
Shines on me and it shines on you,
Shows you what the power of love can do.
Shine my light both bright and clear,
Shine my light both far and near,
In every dark corner that I find,
Let my little light shine.

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
let it shine,
let it shine,
let it shine.

Monday gave me the gift of love,
Tuesday peace came from above,
Wednesday told me to have more faith,
Thursday gave me a little more grace,
Friday told me to watch and pray,
Saturday told me just what to say,
Sunday gave me the power divine
To let my little light shine.

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
let it shine,
let it shine,
let it shine.

Today I saw this image on pinterest (I can't find the original I'm afraid) and it reminded me of Rachel's choice of hymn.  It also prompted me to write a poem:

The light shines
shines in the shadows
bringing hope in the darkness

The light shines
shines on the lost
guiding them when they're off course

The light shines
shines for the afraid
comforting them when they are overcome

The light shines
shines for anyone who needs it
even before they know they have a need

The light shines
shines in us thanks to Jesus
We must never hide the light from others


Luke 11:33 (The Message)

“No one lights a lamp, then hides it in a drawer. It’s put on a lamp stand so those entering the room have light to see where they’re going."