This Little Light Of Mine

‘This Little Light of Mine’ was written a hundred years ago as an African-American children’s song. It’s a simple tune, easy words that children in churches and schools continue to enjoy.

It gained new meaning in the 1960s as a traditional folk song, recorded by many artists as a song of joy and hope. It was adopted by the Civil Rights Movement, bringing unity and strength to protesters calling for freedom.

Last week Bruce Springsteen’s version brought new meaning to me…

Well now, this little light of mine, yeah I’m gonna let it shine
Well now, this little light of mine, yeah I’m gonna let it shine
Well now, this little light of mine, yeah I’m gonna let it shine
Every day, every day,
Every day, every day,
Every day, every day,
Gonna let my little light shine.

It’s a song of intent: I will let my light shine. This isn’t some nursery rhyme for children or a nice idea to think about passively, sitting in my armchair. It’s a decision that I will carry out with strength and determination… actively, passionately, joyfully.

‘Every day’ is not some idealistic intention reserved for church on Sunday, or a time-limited promise… This is continuing, constant, consistent. My light may be little, but it will be shining every day.

Well Jesus gave me light, I’m gonna let it shine,
Well now Jesus gave me light, and I’m gonna let it shine
Well now Jesus gave me light, I’m gonna let it shine
Every day, every day,
Every day, every day,
Every day, every day,
I’m gonna let my little light shine

Springsteen makes this unashamedly, specifically Christian. He brings it back to Jesus, who came to bring light to a dark world saying: ‘I am the light of the world’.

It’s a message of passing on what we have received; we’ve not only seen the light, but we have been given it as a gift. Every day I let it shine out. As a Jesus-follower I bring His light to my world. Jesus talked about not putting light under a bowl, but putting it on a stand to give light to all…

(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 what to say
(Sunday), Gave me the power divine
This little light of mine

We’re told what this light looks like. It shows itself in love, peace, increasing faith and grace. This is the nature of the light I receive that I then shine out. I’m more alert as I ‘watch and pray’; I’m ‘told what to say’ – so my words, my conversation brings light… and at a time when we’re thinking about power… fossil fuels and renewable energy… I’m given divine power for my light to shine!

With God’s power, this week, every day: ‘This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.’