Let Your Light Shine

Who is that singing? I thought to myself. Our congregation was singing the same song we always do to end Sunday services, but this time a new voice was ringing out above all the others. I looked around and saw four-year-old Lucy belting out all the words with excitement.

Lucy’s exuberant singing reminded me of what Jesus instructed in today’s scripture reading. We are not supposed to hide or be timid about our love for God. We are to let our light shine before others, like Lucy. She sings with passion, and while not every note is perfect, you can tell she loves Jesus with all her heart. I used to sing quietly. I didn’t praise loudly because I was self-conscious. But now, inspired by Lucy, I’ve found the courage to praise God more openly.

Lucy has unknowingly started a movement at our church, a revival of praising God with passion. Battery-operated candles have been placed in each pew, and now the pastor calls all the children to the front to lead the closing song. They run up enthusiastically with their candles in hand. And many of the other church members turn on their candles, holding them up and lifting their voices in loud praise. Lucy’s example is a reminder to praise God with our whole heart and to let our light shine for all to see.