This Little Light of Ours

Kirby Gleason

Scripture: Colossians 1:11-20

What are your earliest memories of being in the dark? Try to think back to when maybe you first understood the concept of darkness, and then were able to contrast it from light. My mom tells me that one of my first words was “Light!” although I said it more like “La!”. She says I would want to turn on the switch and would laugh and say “La!” I haveseen many toddlers do the same. They love switches, and seeing whathappens when that light comes on. I have to wonder if the

Light/Darkness binary is one of the first contrasts we learn in our developing minds.

St. Paul, in today’s epistle reading, makes that same contrast between light and dark. He says that we have been “enabled to share in the inheritance of the saints in the Light” and that we were “rescued from the power of darkness”. Paul goes on to describe Jesus, and the Light, with praise and Godly attributes.

This is hardly the first time we see the metaphorical and sometimes literal literary technique of contrast in the Bible. In fact, the Light and dark contrast is found in the very first chapter of Genesis, in the creation account. What is the very first thing God creates? Creator says “Let there be Light!” but it doesn’t stop there...God goes on to call the Light good, and then divide the light from the darkness. Since this is the creation account, we can’t help but to take this literally, but what if we considered this figuratively too? Is this where other contrasts are created? Good and Evil? Love and Fear? God and whatever is...not God? At any rate, in our scriptures, this contrast and the creation of Light must be important, because it is first. The word “Light” appears over 300 times in the Bible! It would be interesting to do a long-form study in how the word is used, it’s contexts, and all the rest, but I don’t have time for that today!

Jesus talks about Light in his famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. He says: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Last year when I preached, I talked about how we are wonderfully created, and marvelously made, possessing the very image of God – the Imago Dei – that spark inside of us. I have a hard time seeing that as only figurative, and also, it’s hard to think of as only literal! I think this is the Light Jesus is talking about here. We were created to be Light, separate from the darkness.

Several months ago, I challenged myself to see how I can be more intentional in my personal spiritual practice. I always struggled finding the right words to pray. I wondered if there was a prayer, phrase, or quote I could begin saying to myself to center my day and my work. And around this same time, I started thinking a lot of this concept of Light. I was getting discouraged about, well you know, the state of the world – all the things. And I wondered what I can do about those big, awful things. I was struck by Rev Dr. Martin Luther King’s words: darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that; hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. And it hit me. One of the very first things I learned in Sunday School – that little song that most of us all know:

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine

Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!

I knew I had a new liturgy. On my best days, I sing this to myself in the car on the way to work. When I get a notification that a particularly difficult student has checked in to meet with me, I sing it. About 10 minutes before every Seahawks home game I am announcing, I breathe deep and close my eyes and sing it. Silently.

Last year, I attended a professional development conference where we had a keynote address from an educational consultant. Among other best practices, he suggested colleges adopt what is called a “10-foot rule”. Basically, the rule states that if you are at work, and there is someone within 10 feet of you, you should engage with them. Ask if they need help, maybe, or just smile and wave or say Hi. The idea is that you would be able to quickly identify folks who need help and get them the appropriate help. I thought this was a great idea! And, then, I realized what a great idea it would be to do this in life, everywhere, not just at work. What if I smiled, said hello, offered to help, encouraged, or engaged with anyone who was within 10 feet of me? I started practicing it. Soon, I’m going to ask you to join me in this practice in a formal way. Those small kindnesses will create a ripple effect. It is a simple way we can show our light.

But, frankly, I felt overwhelmed. Being a Light is an overwhelming burden sometimes. Sometimes, I just want to rest, and being a light feels like hard work. Other times, I’m angry, or tired, or sore from raking leaves. But that’s where you come in. Or, more accurately, that’s where WE come in. Consider the sermon on the mount again. Jesus said the Light would be for ALL in the house. You see, I need your Light as much as you need mine. I have to wonder if the whole point of shining your Light is so you can see it reflected in others, so that my light and yours can combine into something brighter, more powerful, warmer. Sometimes my light diminishes a little, and I need yours to reignite mine.

As many of you know, I am the PA Announcer for the Seattle Seahawks. Getting that job was an absolute thrill because I have been a Seahawks fan all my life. My earliest sports memories involve coming home from church and watching football with my Dad. We were both Seahawks fans. And, at the time (in the late 70s and early 80s) the Seahawks best player was wide receiver Steve Largent. I really liked Steve Largent. He was my first sports idol. When I was about 6, I got a jersey of his that I wore all the time. In 5th grade, I won a poster of him in a reading contest, and I hung it on my wall. It was still hanging there when my parents moved out the house 20+ years later. If anyone asked me now who my favorite football players are, my list would still include Steve Largent. He holds numerous records, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and is, arguably, the greatest Seahawk ever.

A few weeks ago, after losing to the 49ers, I was leaving the stadium. I was in the hallway when I was stopped by “crowd traffic”. I looked to my left and realized I was standing right next to Steve Largent himself. Now, when you work in pro sports, and I suppose the same is true if you work in Hollywood or with other celebrities, you learn to play it cool. While most stars are happy to engage with fans, usually if they are “backstage” they would prefer to be left alone. It may be the one time they don’t have to sign an autograph or pose for a selfie. So, when I saw my hero I immediately figured I should play it cool. After all, I noticed he was surrounded by his grandkids. He was with his family and I didn’t want to disturb him. But the traffic jam was persistent, and a voice in my head said “what about your 10-foot rule, Kirby? Does it not apply because he is a celebrity?” Dagnabbit. So I said hi. “How’s it going?” I smiled and asked. “Fine, fine...” he replied. I introduced myself. “I’m Kirby. I’m the PA Announcer...”

His eyes lit up. “You are AWESOME.” He blurted. “I love your Third Down call...just AWESOME”

Now, I don’t know if you have ever had the experience of having one of your heroes give you positive feedback, but let me just say, it feels pretty stinkin’ great. I almost burst into tears.

You see, Steve Largent, by sharing his light with me (just a simple encouragement) made my light about a million times brighter. And that’s the point! We shine our light so others can shine theirs. When someone sees you confidently being you, that gives them the freedom to confidently be them!

And then, imagine, all of our light combined – that’s where beautiful things happen. Just think of an ordinary Sunday worship service: you walk in and are greeted by Gale’s light welcoming you. As you sit, Maryland comes over and offers her light through a hug and encouraging words. Kathy, Jack, Barry, and Brother Dave all start shining their light through the music they play, and James and Nick’s light shows through on how they prepared the altar. Riley – you are a light! Your technical knowledge and ability to quickly solve tech issues shines bright! Jim, I rely on the light of your sage advice for being a lector, Katie, your organizational skills are a light when planning our coffee hours and the BBQ! I could go on and on, but my point is that when we share our light with each other, our light shines it’s brightest. Not only do people realize they have light too, they also now shine and together, we shine brighter. I think that’s what Jesus was telling us.

In light of that, I am excited to launch a new ministry here at St. Luke’s: We are calling it This Little Light of Ours. In the coming weeks, months, and years, I want to encourage you to let your light shine while we look for opportunities to shine our collective light. By doing this, we will support one another, while also engaging and connecting with our neighbors and larger community so others can see the light in themselves and maybe even join us in making This Little Light of Ours that much brighter.

Hit it, Kathy!

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine

Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!