I have two daughters, ages 5 and 2.  Last year I bought them the “Wee Sing:Bible Songs” CD, so we could have something fun to listen to in the car.  It’s got all the greatest hits you remember from Sunday School, no matter how old you are – “Jesus Loves Me”, “Deep and Wide”, and my 2 year-old’s favorite, “Zaccheus.”  The good news is, they LOVE it.  They love to sing to each and every song (all 63 of them), and ask me questions about the lyrics that lead to more conversations about God and Jesus.  The bad news is, they LOOOOOVE it.  As soon as I buckle them into their carseats, they ask, “Mom, can we have Bible songs?!”  About once a week, I have to tell them that Mommy needs a break, and they whine for a minute before enjoying the classical music station.

These songs don’t just stay in the car, though.  They get sung in the bathtub, or when it’s time to clean up toys.  I find myself whistling one or another every day.  They’re short, easy to learn, and catchy as all get out!  The one I’d like to explore today is…

Give Me Oil for My Lamp

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Give me oil for my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning,
Give me oil for my lamp, I pray (Hallelujah!)
Give me oil for my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning,
Keep me burning ‘til the break of day
Sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna to the King of Kings
Sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna to the King!

Not only did this song help me explain the miracle of Chanukah to my girls (who, of course, have no real idea of what a lamp is and how important it was to keep enough oil for it!), but it refers directly and indirectly to dozens of scripture.  The first that came to mind was Matthew 25, the parable of the bridesmaids.  Here Jesus tells us to be prepared for His return, and not be caught unaware.  We need to keep oil in our lamps, to keep our light shining in the world and be faithful to Him!  We are warned that the Groom can return any day, any hour, and we need to prepare our hearts and our lives for Jesus.

It also makes me think of the promise God gives us in Isaiah 40:28-31:

Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go.
God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime
stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.

This means God knows what we need, and He won’t forget us.  He will give us the energy we need to keep going, and all we have to do is ask.  Hallelujah!

I guess today the song might be, “Give me charge to my batteries,” but I like singing it how it is.  I also like that my 2 year-old is still working on the lyrics, and belts out with enthusiasm, “Sing Mozanna to the King of Kings!” 🙂

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Please pray this with me:  Lord of Heaven and Earth, today we ask for oil for our lamps.  Sustain us, energize us, and fill us up with Your Spirit.  Give us strength and faith to run the race to the end.  May all we do today bring You glory and praise.  In the powerful and wonderful name of Jesus, Amen.