A Christmas Parable
13/12/09 20:03
The council sat quietly
as he sipped from the water glass. Swallowing
deliberately and with a sigh, he had their attention.
“Gentlemen, the time is come to act. The king is in dire straits, the kingdom in shambles and all of this because of rot within. We haven’t been attacked by any outside enemy and no one seems to have an answer for this dilemma. So, I am proposing a solution and I am completely open for any opinion or suggestion.”
There was some murmuring among the counsel but the consensus seemed to give him the “go ahead” to speak. After another swallow of water he offered his help.
“Now you are all aware that our national holiday is just a couple of weeks away and with the situation the way it is, well I think that we should revamp this thing and turn it into one of the most sought after holidays ever. Let’s get the folks thinking about something other than their troubles. What if we gave everyone in the whole kingdom, I mean everyone, man, woman and child, some sort of gift and maybe some food. Then we can encourage them to give each other gifts and such. You know, we can even turn this thing into a great enterprise and even boost the economy. Money will be flowing in the markets and you know when the money flows –people are happy. This will create jobs and if you think about it, even good will toward one another. We’ll encourage them to send cards to one another. And this is how we’ll do it; we’ll suggest that the more they send out, the more they’ll get. People like receiving, so… I know; we’ll make this holiday the season for giving. Think about it; if you thought your uncle was going to give you something then you’re going to make sure that you get him something. You’re certainly not going to let him get one up on you!”
The counsel’s chuckles were heard between nods of affirmation and appeals to go on. “Why don’t we have one of us go out into the villages and begin distributing some gifts and some food to get this thing going? And while we’re at it, why don’t we suggest they decorate their homes with lights and bells and things?
“This is a great idea!” Another member piped in, “I have a friend that owns a card shop and this would be good business for him.” I’ll get him writing cards that will say all kinds of nice things. You know, something that will warm the heart, sooth the soul and say… well, just what the folks want to hear.”
And another offered a suggestion, “I know, I know what we can do. We can say something like this: We know if you have been naughty or nice and if you’re nice we’ll put you on a list that will enable you to get more things this holiday! The nicer you are to your family and friends the more stuff you get. I think the folks will get into this. This will be good for all of us.”
The counsel drew up the final plans, which they affectionately called “Stimulating Holiday Spirit.” They were eager to promote the program as soon as possible. Everyone was in agreement and ready to work. The only glitch would be if the king wouldn’t go for it. One of their own would have to convince him that this was the solution they were all looking for, and soon, things could get back to normal.
He who had been chosen by Arrogance announced, “I will go to the king. He will listen to me. He has trusted me in the past and there is no reason he will not trust me this time. After all, we are only trying to help by spreading good cheer and peace throughout the kingdom. I think the king will agree with us.”
The counsel was so confident in this man’s ability that they dispersed to their homes and families excited to jump-start their program. The king’s chamber door was shut and the silence from his room made the man hesitate to knock. But he would knock, because he knew that his plan was good and it would work. The king could rest with ease; he would take care of everything.
“Gentlemen, the time is come to act. The king is in dire straits, the kingdom in shambles and all of this because of rot within. We haven’t been attacked by any outside enemy and no one seems to have an answer for this dilemma. So, I am proposing a solution and I am completely open for any opinion or suggestion.”
There was some murmuring among the counsel but the consensus seemed to give him the “go ahead” to speak. After another swallow of water he offered his help.
“Now you are all aware that our national holiday is just a couple of weeks away and with the situation the way it is, well I think that we should revamp this thing and turn it into one of the most sought after holidays ever. Let’s get the folks thinking about something other than their troubles. What if we gave everyone in the whole kingdom, I mean everyone, man, woman and child, some sort of gift and maybe some food. Then we can encourage them to give each other gifts and such. You know, we can even turn this thing into a great enterprise and even boost the economy. Money will be flowing in the markets and you know when the money flows –people are happy. This will create jobs and if you think about it, even good will toward one another. We’ll encourage them to send cards to one another. And this is how we’ll do it; we’ll suggest that the more they send out, the more they’ll get. People like receiving, so… I know; we’ll make this holiday the season for giving. Think about it; if you thought your uncle was going to give you something then you’re going to make sure that you get him something. You’re certainly not going to let him get one up on you!”
The counsel’s chuckles were heard between nods of affirmation and appeals to go on. “Why don’t we have one of us go out into the villages and begin distributing some gifts and some food to get this thing going? And while we’re at it, why don’t we suggest they decorate their homes with lights and bells and things?
“This is a great idea!” Another member piped in, “I have a friend that owns a card shop and this would be good business for him.” I’ll get him writing cards that will say all kinds of nice things. You know, something that will warm the heart, sooth the soul and say… well, just what the folks want to hear.”
And another offered a suggestion, “I know, I know what we can do. We can say something like this: We know if you have been naughty or nice and if you’re nice we’ll put you on a list that will enable you to get more things this holiday! The nicer you are to your family and friends the more stuff you get. I think the folks will get into this. This will be good for all of us.”
The counsel drew up the final plans, which they affectionately called “Stimulating Holiday Spirit.” They were eager to promote the program as soon as possible. Everyone was in agreement and ready to work. The only glitch would be if the king wouldn’t go for it. One of their own would have to convince him that this was the solution they were all looking for, and soon, things could get back to normal.
He who had been chosen by Arrogance announced, “I will go to the king. He will listen to me. He has trusted me in the past and there is no reason he will not trust me this time. After all, we are only trying to help by spreading good cheer and peace throughout the kingdom. I think the king will agree with us.”
The counsel was so confident in this man’s ability that they dispersed to their homes and families excited to jump-start their program. The king’s chamber door was shut and the silence from his room made the man hesitate to knock. But he would knock, because he knew that his plan was good and it would work. The king could rest with ease; he would take care of everything.
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