Let Your Light Shine

Let Your Light Shine - Matthew 5:16

During the Sermon on the Mount, found in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses a crowd and reveals eight blessings (known as The Beatitudes).   He then goes on to talk to the crowd about salt and light.

Jesus explains: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.   No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but 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."
Matthew 5:14-16

As a Christian school family, we seek to follow the example of Jesus in all that we do.   We believe that the Sermon on the Mount is a vital chapter in scripture, teaching us to let the light of Jesus shine through us.   We take great encouragement from the words "you are the light of the world"; this reveals to us that Jesus, who himself tells us "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), is within all of us.   We are all God's children and are called to "give glory" to our Father in heaven through our "good works".   This reminds us of the importance of our actions. Our actions allow us to let our light shine.   Our actions allow us to share the light of Jesus with those around us. 

We want our school and church to be beacons that shine far and wide, lighting up our region with the light of Jesus through our work, rest and play.   By learning about Christian values, by listening to the teachings of Jesus, and by following the example of Jesus, we say to every member of our community: let your light shine.

At Smallwood, we believe that every child and adult can shine and that this can be for the benefit of all and this is the inspiration behind our mission statement, vision and values.