Lutheran Seminary – Moved by the Promise – God Pause – Sunday, 5 January 2014 – "This Little Light of Mine” ELW 677

Lutheran Seminary – Moved by the Promise – God Pause – Sunday, 5 January 2014 – "This Little Light of Mine” ELW 677

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

This has been one of my favorite songs since childhood. Over the years I've sung many versions, and different styles of this beloved hymn, but I think the one I learned in Sunday School is still the best. I loved holding my finger up as my light and blowing on it while singing, "Don't let Satan 'whew' it out, I'm going to let it shine." Or "Hide it under a bushel? 'NO!,' I'm going to let it shine." The actions were great fun.

But even when we sing the newer version, I'm still amazed at how it can get people from 3 to 93 to dance and clap together (Of course, if we're Lutherans, maybe still not quite in total unison!). I love the joy that is visible as we praise God together in our marvelous and varied ways. May we take that exuberance with us out into the streets.

Radical God, let your light shine in us and through us, so that all the world might see your glory and praise your name. AMEN.

Meg Sander

Pastor of Children, Youth and Family, First Lutheran Church, Kearney, Neb.

1. 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.

2. Hide it under a bushel - NO!

I'm gonna let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel - NO!

I'm gonna let it shine,

Hide it under a bushel - NO!

I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine,

let it shine, let it shine.

3. Don't let Satan blow it out.

I'm gonna let it shine.

Don't let Satan blow it out.

I'm gonna let it shine

Don't let Satan blow it out.

I'm gonna let it shine,

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

3. Let it shine til Jesus comes.

I'm gonna let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes.

I'm gonna let it shine,

Let it shine til Jesus comes.

I'm gonna let it shine.

let it shine, let it shine, 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,

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

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

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