You will think this a strange name for a little girl, yet I think if you had seen the cheerful and happy face of the little one who bore it, and only knew the half of the kind acts she did, in her own simple way, to make others happy, you would say she was well named “Little Sunbeam.” For just as the bright warm rays of the summer sun, make everything cheerful upon which they shine, so did this girl’s life and deeds gladden those with whom she daily came in contact.
Would you like to know the secret of “Little Sunbeam’s” happy and useful life? Well, first of all she was a saved little girl. She knew and trusted Jesus, as her own personal Saviour: apart from this, she never could have been a “Little Sunbeam.” You must first be brought into living union with Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, the great source of all life, and light, and love, before you can give any of these out to others.
Then, “Little Sunbeam” lived near to Jesus, so that she was always filled with His light and love, and had some to give to others. And she was not a selfish child, she did not keep all to herself, she watched for opportunities to make others happy, and as she saw others gladdened, she was made glad herself.
Now, I think you will own she was rightly named “Little Sunbeam,” and what is better still, you may be a “Little Sunbeam” too, first, by receiving Christ as your Saviour; then by living with Him, and for Him.
You will never be really happy yourself, or make others around happy, until your heart has been won for Jesus. Then the springtime of your life will begin. God in His holy heaven above, will have His delight in you, and the risen Christ on the throne will rejoice over you. Your own young heart will be filled with heavenly light and love, and you will go forth in the bright morning of life, to shine as a “Little Sunbeam” for Jesus, showing forth His praise.
But be sure first of all that you are converted. You cannot please Jesus or live for Him, until you know Him as your personal Saviour and Lord.
A loving, cheerful temper,
A gentle, smiling face; Will cast a ray of brightness,
Within the darkest place.
Words, looks, and deeds of kindness, Are “Sunbeams” bright and fair;
God help you, little Christian, To shed them everywhere.
ML 02/22/1931