“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.... Won’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine.... Hide it under a bushel, NO! 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.”

The repetitive lyrics of this song make it a favorite with children. Though the origin of the song is unknown, it is universally thought to be based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that His followers are “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). We are the light of the world because we have living in us the One who is the ultimate “light of the world” (John 8:12). In the children’s song the words “I’m gonna let it shine” reflect Jesus’ admonition not to allow our light to be hidden. Instead, we are to let our light shine via good works so the world can see Him in us and glorify God.

Let us put into practice the words of the song to let our light shine until Jesus comes again!

If God lights the candle, none can blow it out.
Charles Spurgeon