PBS reports that: “Jews across the religious observance spectrum — from Reform to Conservative to Orthodox — focus on the same theme of bringing light into the darkness and emphasizing that even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect.” During their celebration of Hanukah they light a new candle each night on the eight branches menorah. As we mourn with the Jewish community in Australia over the murders and injuries there and beyond, I remember being awakened one night with a thought. Our life is to be like a thousand tiny lights of kindness.

How can you participate in this? Every tiny act of kindness that you do makes you a participant.

There was an elderly woman searching in the deep freezer at the grocery store among the frozen turkeys. She just wanted a small one. The one she had chosen did not have a tag on it. I was able to flag down an employee to help her get it weighed and tagged. He wanted me to follow him and I explained that he needed to carry the turkey and escort her slowly to wherever he was going as she was the one interested in the purchase.

There was someone in the same store using an electric shopping cart. She is tiny and seated. There is an item on a high shelf that she is interested in. I ask if I can reach it for her? She is grateful.

Just looking folks in the eye, greeting them with a smile and saying hello has become a practice that cheers many. Most older folks seem surprised that you see them and care. Every age is somewhat startled if you look them in the eye when you greet them.

A tiny thousand lights of kindness. Wishing a harried store clerk a good day. Telling them to take a deep breath while you find your credit card. Urging the world to slow down for one minute. Tiny light of kindness.

Yielding to a car in traffic and being genuinely glad about it.

Thanking the letter carrier for service. The last one I greeted was delivering mail in 13 degree weather. I asked how he stayed warm. He replied you just have to dress for the weather.

Giving the delivery man a home baked cookie when he brings your package to the door.

In the gospel of John we are told

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

The word light is used seven times in the first nine verses of John 1. In the passage above, a mere three verses, it is used four times. We are to pay attention to this idea. We are to shine the light God has given us. Shine and shine and then shine some more. No place does it say the light of the world got weary of shining and stopped. We too are called to this shine work.

Have you ever attended a concert where the performer asked people to turn on their cell phone flashlight? Or they were given wristbands they were to light up at a certain time? Can you imagine if all of those people left that stadium with the conviction to shine the light God gave them to others around the world? You can help with this effort every single day of your life. If you no longer leave the house you likely still have conversations with others. Smile through your words and bring light and life to each situation.

PBS goes on to report: “A menorah is lit in each household and traditionally is placed where it can be seen from the outside, such as a doorway or windowsill, to symbolize the spreading of God’s light to all nations.”

A thousand tiny lights of kindness. “Even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect.” Yes, that means each of us. Just as we celebrate Jesus, the Light of the world, at this time of year (and always) we are to be set on fire for the Kingdom good news! Many are credited with this saying, Saint Francis most notably.