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

The old newspaper story "Dog Bites Man" is hardly worth reporting. On the other hand, when a man bites a dog, well, now that's front-page stuff.

I think the New York Times has a "Man Bites Dog" story on its hands.

Recently that grand, old newspaper told how, in Charleston, South Carolina, 100 atheists showed up for a house meeting of the Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry. The atheists ran out of room and discussed looking for a larger place to meet.

One hundred people. The New York Times thought that was big news. Maybe it is. Maybe it's because atheists, being the freethinkers they are, usually don't band together.

Are you, like me, wondering, how many Christians came together that same Sunday in Charleston? Are you curious how many tens of thousands of people decided to come together as a family on the Lord's Day?

Now maybe somebody has the time and knows where to look for that information. I don't. Even so, I'm thinkin' there was a bunch, a flock, a gaggle of Christians in those Charleston churches.

Of course, The New York Times would quickly say, "Christians getting together to sing praises to the Redeemer isn't news." In that, they would be right. Christians have been coming together for thousands of years.

Millions and tens of millions of us, motivated by the Holy Spirit, regularly join together to sing the Savior's praises, to receive the Sacrament, to strengthen, to encourage, to help, to serve, to . . . .

Well, you get the idea. It's old news, I guess, but it's mighty wonderful news to me.

THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, there is a hymn that says, "I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat what seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story, for some have never heard the message of salvation from God's own holy Word." Lord, the New York Times may not tell that old, old story, but I give thanks someone told it to me. May I share it with others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 23-24    John 6:41-71

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