The story is told of a wealthy man who, with his young son, shared a passion for collecting art. Together the widowed man and his son traveled the world, adding the finest art treasurers to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Monet and many others adorned the walls of their estate. The son became an experienced art collector, and his father beamed with pride as they dealt with collectors around the world.

Then, war engulfed the nation and the young son left to serve his country. After only a few weeks, his father received a telegram stating that his son was missing in action. The art collector waited anxiously, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The son had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness.

On Christmas morning, a knock at the door awakened him. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier holding a large package. He said, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in? I have something for you." As they talked, the soldier told how the son had talked of his and his father’s love of art. "I am an artist", said the soldier, "and I want to give you this." The old man unwrapped the package—a portrait of his son. Overcome his emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the painting above the fireplace.

During the weeks that followed, the old man learned that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his heart. This eased his grief. The painting of his son became his most prized possession. The next spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world waited in anticipation, knowing that his paintings would be sold at auction.

According to his will, all the art works would be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received his greatest gift. Christmas soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. The auction began with a painting that wasn’t on the auction list—the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. Minutes passed. No one spoke. Finally, someone in the back of the room shouted, "Who cares about that painting. It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s get on to the good stuff." "No, we have to sell this one first." The auctioneer replied. "Now who will take the son?" Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take $10? That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I would like to have it." The auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice, gone." The gavel fell.

Cheers filled the room and someone said, "Now we can bid on the treasures!" Then the auctioneer looked at the audience and said, "The auction is now over." Stunned disbelief filled the room. "What do you mean it’s over?’ someone asked. "What about all these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of paintings here!" The auctioneer replied, "It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son gets it all."

That Christmas, those art collectors discovered the love of a father - a father whose greatest joy came from his son, who gave away his life rescuing others.

Christmas reminds us of another Father, whose Son came to rescue us - because of that Father’s love, whoever takes the Son gets it all!

May your celebration of our Lord’s birth fill you with awe, wonder, and joy!

Peace and Love, Reverend Lance Robbins,
Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd,
Webster NY