Recently a Virginia woman was shopping in a Goodwill thrift store as she did on a routine basis. While there, an unusual clear glass vase with imbedded colored stripes caught her eye. She noticed a “Murano” mark on the bottom and suspected the vase as high quality Italian glass. She brought it home for $3.99.
Curious about her find, she posted a picture of it to a Murano Glass Facebook group. Some group members recognized the vase as a rare piece designed by an Italian architect. One poster even offered her $10,000, but she passed on the offer. Another poster suggested she contact a particular auction house in New York which she did.
When staff at the auction house saw the vase, they recognized it as a rare piece by Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa. The auction house dispatched two experts to inspect the piece in person and verified its authenticity. Much to the young woman’s surprise, her vase sold at auction for $107,100.
It’s very rare for someone to find a valuable item at a thrift store. But when it happens, it usually makes the news. One wonders how the vase ended up at a thrift store to begin with. Whoever donated the vase, surely didn’t recognize its value. Quite possibly they were handling someone’s affairs after their death and donated the unwanted items. The thrift store employee who unpacked the donation box didn’t recognize its value either. Nor did any of the other shoppers that overlooked it since it appeared on the shelf.
The story of this vase reminds me of Christmas. All over the world, people are busy getting ready to celebrate the holiday. Whether they’re in the Far East, Europe or the United States, they’re decorating their homes, attending Christmas parties, baking cookies, and shopping for gifts. But how many really stop to think about the value of what Jesus when he was born in a little town called Bethlehem?
It’s really quite remarkable when you think about it. Jesus gave up everything He had in Heaven, humbled himself to become a baby to live for 33 years as a man on this earth. And He knowingly and willingly endured a horrendous death as the ultimate sacrifice for man’s sin to provide a way to reconcile us back to God.
Luke 2:10 says: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
Forty-three years ago this Christmas Day, I accepted Jesus Christ into my life and became a Christian. If you know me or have read my book, you know my life hasn’t been the same since. I’m so glad I finally recognized the true value of Christmas. Christ’s birth on this earth is still truly priceless for all who accept this wonderous gift. God blessed us–everyone.
Mary Therese Hutchinson 