It will not be long before Christmas arrives, and then it will swiftly pass. Children are also doing their caroling from one house to another.
Christmas is celebrated around the world because of Christ. “I have now disposed of all my property to my family,” Sir Patrick Henry once said. “There is one more thing I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian religion.”
Francis Bacon acclaimed: “There never was found in any age of the world, either philosopher or sect, or law, or discipline which did so highly exalt the public good as the Christian faith.”
Christmas – the Advent – is the first step of Calvary’s journey. “The coming of Christ to man was a journey no one had ever taken before – or since. But all can travel the road from man to God,” C. Neil Strait assures.
As the happiest season of the year is coming, let’s pause for a moment and ponder some thoughts. As you do that, allow me to share the story below. There are several version of it but allow me to share what I know about it:
A prosperous American fellow and his son shared a passion for collecting rare pieces of art. Their collection boasted works by renowned artists such as Picasso and Raphael. They frequently spent time together, appreciating the masterpieces they had acquired.
When the Vietnam War erupted, the son enlisted and displayed remarkable bravery, ultimately sacrificing his life in battle while attempting to save another soldier. The father received the tragic news and mourned profoundly for his only child.
Approximately a month later, just prior to Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man appeared, holding a sizable package. “Sir, you may not know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son laid down his life,” he said, meeting the father’s gaze. “Your son saved numerous lives that day, and as he was carrying me to safety, a bullet struck him in the heart, taking his life instantly. He often spoke of you and your passion for art.”
The young man extended his package towards the father. “I realize this may not seem significant,” he remarked. “I am not an exceptional artist, but I believe your son would have wished for you to receive this.”
Upon opening the package, the father discovered a portrait of his son, created by the young man. He was captivated by how the artist had managed to encapsulate his son’s essence within the artwork. The depth of emotion in the eyes of the portrait moved him to tears.
Expressing his gratitude, the father offered to compensate the young man for the painting. “Oh, no, sir,” the young man implored, “I could never repay the sacrifice your son made for me. This is a gift.”
The father displayed the portrait prominently above his mantle. Whenever guests visited his home, he would first lead them to admire the portrait of his son before showcasing any of the other esteemed pieces in his collection.
A few months later, the father passed away. An auction of his paintings was scheduled, attracting numerous prominent individuals eager to view and acquire the remarkable artworks. Among them was the portrait of the son, positioned on the platform as the auctioneer raised his gavel.
The auctioneer declared, “We will commence the bidding with this portrait of the son. Who will place a bid for this artwork?”
A voice from the rear of the room interjected, “We wish to see the renowned paintings. Pass on this one!” Nevertheless, the auctioneer pressed on, “Is there anyone who will bid for this painting? Shall we start at $100? Perhaps $200?”
Another voice erupted in frustration, “We did not come to view this painting. Our interest lies with the Van Goghs and the Rembrandts. Let us proceed to the significant bids!”
Yet, the auctioneer remained undeterred, calling out, “The son! The son! Who will take the son?” At last, a voice emerged from the farthest corner of the room. It belonged to the longtime gardener of the man and his son, who raised his hand and exclaimed, “I will offer $10 for the painting.”
Being of modest means, that was all he could manage. “We have a bid of $10; who will raise it to $20? Let’s award it to him for $10,” the auctioneer stated. “Now, let us see the masterpieces! A bid of $10 is on the table; will anyone bid $20?”
The audience was growing increasingly frustrated. They were not interested in the portrait of the son; rather, they sought more valuable additions for their collections. The auctioneer struck the gavel decisively. “Going once, going twice… SOLD for $10!” he announced.
A gentleman in the second row exclaimed, “Let us proceed with the collection.” The auctioneer set down his gavel, stating, “I regret to inform you that the auction has concluded.” “What about the paintings?” someone inquired.
“I apologize,” the auctioneer responded. “When I was appointed to oversee this auction, I was made aware of a confidential condition in the will. I was prohibited from disclosing this condition until now. Only the portrait of the son was to be auctioned. The individual who purchases that painting will inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The one who acquires the son receives everything.”
Two thousand years ago, God offered His Son to be sacrificed on a brutal cross. Similar to the auctioneer, His message today is, “The Son, the Son, who will accept the Son? For it is clear that whoever accepts the Son gains everything.”
