Dear friends,
Children are invited to usher in our Candlemas service this Sunday, through singing and a joyful procession.
If possible, arrive at 9:30 for a little choir rehearsal. Anna will lead the children's singing of a couple of classics at the beginning of the service, after which children can return to atrium or to sit with their families. If you'd like to practice "This Little Light of Mine" ahead of time, here are they lyrics we'll use:
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.
Jesus gave it to me, I'm gonna let it shine, Jesus gave it to me, I'm gonna let it shine, Jesus gave it to me, I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine, Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine, Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, 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, Hide it under a bushel, no! I’m gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine, All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine, All around the world, I’m gonna let it shine, Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
This song lifts up the theme of Jesus as the Light of the World—a sign that's readily accessible even for the youngest child. While we waited for Christmas, we pondered Isaiah's prophecy that "the people walking in darkness have seen a great light." At Easter we'll see a light and a life stronger than death! And that's the light that Jesus shares with us. A few weeks ago we witnessed baby Eric "receive the light of Christ" at his baptism. What a joy to celebrate the "light that enlightens the nations" and each one of us.
See you Sunday!
~Josie
P.S. If you won't make it in person on Sunday, your kids can watch last year's reading of the gospel account of the Presentation in the Temple.
P.P.S. I grew up knowing "This Little Light of Mine" without realizing that it's a traditional African American spiritual—one of many gifts we've received from the beautiful musical heritage of the black church. In fall 2020, as a community we learned several songs from the Fisk Jubilee Singers. This is a great time to revisit those!