Sermon Tone Analysis

*"Meeting Together"* \\ \\ April 16, 2009 \\ \\ /And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25/ \\ \\ Easter is over; the colored eggs have been made into egg salad and the fake green grass has been vacuumed up.

\\ \\ This Sunday will be the Sunday after the Resurrection.

\\ \\ This reminds me of a story that needs to be shared.

Several centuries ago, in an Alpine village, a respected nobleman wondered what might be the legacy he would leave to his people.

He eventually decided on the construction of a small chapel.

\\ \\ As this was a gift, no one was allowed to see the interior of the chapel until it was completed.

At its dedication the villagers were awed by its beauty, its elegance, its completeness.

\\ \\ Everything was there for worship, *except* for the lights.

\\ \\ Why weren't there any lights?

With a smile, the wise nobleman pointed to the brackets on the wall.

As he did so, his servants passed out lamps to each family.

He explained, "Each time you come to worship, the area where you are seated will be filled with light, and each time you are not here, the area will be dark."

\\ \\ I like that story.

\\ \\ Now, let me explain its purpose.

\\ \\ As a pastor who served parishes for 25 years, I remember the Sunday after the Resurrection, along with the Sunday after Christmas.

They are some of the most poorly attended worship gatherings of the church year.

\\ \\ Please don't let that happen.

\\ \\ Don't let the place where you *ought* to be sitting go dark.

Yes, your exhausted choir may be taking a break, and the pastor may still be tired from last week.

But the risen Savior is there, and He is as worthy of adoration this weekend as He was last.

\\ \\ This is just the Daily Devotion's way of stirring you up to love and good works... and encouraging you *not* to neglect to meet together.