Feb. 3: Let the Lower Lights Be Burning

Let the Lower Lights Be Burning

The Lower Lights, a gospel group that performs classic hymns with a folk/bluegrass flavor, took its name from one of the songs they recorded: Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy.

In a sermon, 19th-century preacher Dwight L. Moody told the story of a Lake Erie ship that crashed into the shore of a Cleveland harbor during a violent storm one night, killing many on board.  Though the lighthouse shone brightly, its lower lights, which guide ships safely to shore, were not working.  Moody concluded, “Brethren, the Master will take care of the great lighthouse; let us keep the lower lights burning.”

That imagery impressed Moody’s friend, composer Philip Paul Bliss, so he turned it into a hymn: “Brightly beams our Father’s mercy from His lighthouse evermore. / But to us He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore. / Let the lower lights be burning! Send a gleam across the wave! / Some poor fainting, struggling sea-man you may rescue, you may save.”

The Lower Lights now hope their music will serve as a little piece of God’s light in the world.

I am the light of the world.  (John 8:12)

Help me reflect Your light, Father.