The German Prince And The Cremona Violin

There was once a German prince who wished to possess a Cremona violin; and he offered a princely sum to purchase it. For months he had no success. Then one day an old man appeared at the castle with a worn case under his arm.

The servants at first refused to admit him to the prince, but at length they agreed to carry to their master the old man’s message. This is what he told them to say, “Heaven’s music is waiting at your door.” So he was received by the prince. He drew from its shabby case a perfect violin, and created such marvellous music as to win the prince’s ardent praise.

He was offered any price he liked to name for his instrument, but the man shook his head. “The violin may only be yours,” he said, “on condition that I pass my life within your house, and use the instrument every day.”

So the prince accepted the violin on those terms. That story is a parable. We have been hearing again at Christmas-tide the music of heaven, proclaiming the Saviour’s birth and love and abiding presence in hearts that welcome and trust Him. Shall we not receive the Master Musician into our hearts and homes, so that His beauty and joy may illuminate our lives?

“In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”