Long ago there lived a mighty king in his fortress where there was warmth, delicious feasts and all things pleasant. Outside of the castle walls raged a brutal winter, and the king, out of mercy from his heart, prepared comfortable rooms for his servants who were dying in the cold.

The king sent his son the prince to deliver the good news.

The prince handed out invitations with a royal decree that spelled out the rules of the castle. Now this mighty king was the most powerful to ever reign over the earth. Yet he was the most merciful ruler who'd ever lived, full of grace and generosity towards those under him. Naturally, the rules he set were fair.

Follow me! Called the prince. If you stay here you will surely die, but your king has mercy on you. In my father’s castle there is warmth, food and shelter; truly, a life of comfort beyond your wildest dreams awaits you. Read the decree so you know the rules, and my good servants, come with me! Once we reach the fortress, the storm will subside, and your strife will be over.

Follow me! Exhorted the prince a second time. If you do not, you will perish in the storm. Come with me, and you will meet your king, the king of all kings, the one to whom all of creation is subject.

One servant walked forward and said, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Should I pack my belongings?”

“No need, just bring the invitation and come as you are. We best hurry!”

Another servant took one step back and said: “I will not come.”

“Do you not trust me?” Asked the prince, raising his eyebrows.

“No,” the servant snapped bitterly. “I never asked to be born a lowly servant. Why are you a prince, while I have to endure the strife of being born in shame? I hate the king, and I will NOT follow you to his castle.”

The prince looked down at the invitation that the proud servant was shredding as he spoke.

“You will not abide by my father’s rules, is that it?”

There was no answer. So with a powerful voice, the prince urged everyone to follow at once. Many peasants who trusted in the promise turned to the ones who didn’t and begged them to change their minds.