(A timely Christmas column from Publisher Emeritis Bill Cooke written on Dec. 24, 2015.)
This Christmas story is old and the author is unknown to me, but it’s a worthy read.
Years ago a wealthy, widowed elderly man and his devoted son shared a passion for art and traveled the world adding only the finest treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh,Monet and others adorned the walls of their estate.
The son’s trained eye and sharp business mind was a source of pride for the father, but as winter approached, war engulfed the nation and the son left to serve his country.
After only a few months a telegram arrived that the son was missing in action. The father anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again, and within days his fears were confirmed. The son had died carrying a fellow soldier to a medic.
The old man faced the Christmas season with anguish and despair. But on Christmas morning, there came a knock on the door. As he passed the works of art along the hallway they reminded him that his son would never see them again.
He opened the door to be greeted by a soldier holding a large package. “I was a friend of your son,” the soldier said, “and I was the one he was rescuing when he was shot.”
The two sat down to visit. “I know of your love of art,” the soldier said, “because your son told me. I am an artist and I want to give this to you.”
The old man unwrapped the package to find a brilliant portrait of his son in striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier and hung the portrait in a prominent place above the fireplace.
The soldier explained that his son had not only rescued him, but many others who’d been wounded. The stories of gallantry eased the old man’s grief.
He told his friends and neighbors that the painting was his greatest possession, of far more value to him than the masterpieces.
In the spring, the old man became ill and died and the art world was in great anticipation of an auction that the man had stipulated in his will. The collectors had little interest in the portrait of the son, but were eager to bid on the valuable pieces.
As the old man had willed, the auction was held on Christmas day, a year after the man had received his greatest gift. First item was the son’s portrait. None of the collectors bid on it. Silence ruled.
The auctioneer stated the estate’s terms, that the portrait would be sold first. “Now, who will take the son?” the auctioneer asked.
A friend of the old man finally said, “I have $10. I knew the boy; I’d like to have it.” No more bids followed. “Going once, going twice, sold for $10,” the auctioneer pronounced.
Then he announced that the sale was over.
Stunned, the collectors grew angry. “What do you mean, it’s over? We didn’t come here for a portrait of the old man’s son, we came for these great works of art. We demand you explain what’s going on!”
The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son gets it all.”
Just as those collectors discovered on that Christmas day, the message is still the same. The love of a Father, a Father whose greatest joy came from His Son. The Son went away and gave His life rescuing others.
And because of that Father’s love, whoever takes the Son gets it all.
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