The Missing Lamps

[210 words] In a certain mountain village in Europe several centuries ago, a nobleman wondered what legacy he should leave to his townspeople. At last he decided to build them a church building. No one saw the complete plans for the church building until it was finished. When 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 the brackets on the walls. Then he gave each family a lamp which they were to bring to worship with them. “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 God’s house will be dark.” “You are the light of the world….