A Christmas story about an art auction held on Christmas Day in honor of a wealthy man’s son who had died in the war. A powerful, symbolic story teaching that if we put Christ first in our lives, we will one day receive all that our Father has.
The story goes like this:
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man, who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. They would travel the world together collecting priceless pieces of art.
Then the war began and the son soon left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received word that his beloved son had died while saving another.
Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with sadness. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door came and as the old man opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. The soldier introduced himself by saying, “I was your son’s friend. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. I am also an artist and I want to give you this.”
As the man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man’s son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting showed the son’s face in striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier and hung the portrait above the fireplace- pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings. Then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing up at the gift he had been given.
During the weeks that followed, the man came to learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before his own life had been taken. As the stories of his son’s bravery continued to reach him, fatherly pride began to ease his pain. Regardless of all the other pieces of art within the walls of his home, the painting of his son became his most prized possession.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation! Unmindful of the story of the man’s only son, but in his honor, those paintings would be sold at an auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift.
The day soon arrived and the auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. “Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the room someone shouted, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and get on with the good stuff.”
“No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the auctioneer. “Now, who will take the son?”
Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I’d like to have it.”
“I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?” called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said, “Going once, going twice. Gone.”
The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, “Now we can finally bid on these treasures!” The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all these paintings worth millions of dollars?”
The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son…gets it all.”
And so it is with each of us – as the scriptures teach – “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God..and ALL..things shall be added unto you.” (Matt 6:33)
May this Christmas season we remember our Savior Jesus Christ who has, through His love and sacrifice, provided each of us a way wherein we can one day return to our heavenly home and inherit all that our Father has.
*Artwork is by David Bowman. You can purchase his artwork at www.davidbowmanart.com
For some wonderful Christmas music and books, check out these on Amazon. Also, be sure and check out more great Christmas items on my Amazon Favorites page by clicking HERE
To download the story, click below
For another inspiring Christmas story, one that will have you reliving the 1990’s all over again, check out Girbaud, Guess, and God by clicking HERE. A Hank Smith Christmas Story. One that will for sure put a smile on your face 🙂
Yours Truly,
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