Articles
Attendance
In a certain mountain village in Europe several centuries ago, a nobleman wondered what
legacy he should leave to people in his town. At last he decided to build them a church building.
No one saw the complete plans for the building until it was finished. When the people gathered,
they marveled at its beauty and completeness. Then someone asked, “But where are the lamps?
How will it be lighted?”
The nobleman pointed to some brackets in the walls. Then he gave to each family a
candle which they were to bring with them each time they came to worship. “Each time you are
here the area where you are seated will be lighted,” the nobleman said. “Each time you are not
here, that area will be dark. This is to remind you that whenever you fail to come to church, some
part of God’s house will be dark”.
This is just a story but it has a stinging point. Jesus tells us. “You are the light of the
world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a
basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine
before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”. (Matthew
5:14 -16). Attending all services of the church is letting your light shine —after all, we come to
worship God and study His word—then leave to serve, right? We must remember where we get
our light from. “For Thou will light my lamp: Jehovah my God will lighten my darkness” (Psalm
18:28)!
Come worship so you can go light your world!
~ Justin Barnes, (edited for content and space)
Azalea City church of Christ, Semmes, AL
