The Story of the Other Wise Man

When I think of Christmas, I must confess it is so easy to begin to get stressed. Oh, I can get overwhelmed by the things to do, the gifts to buy, and the people to see. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the decorations, the gifts, or the visitation of family and friends, it's just that I can (and have too many times in the past) get caught up in all of those things and forget the real meaning of Christmas. I love to stop and remember the birth of Christ. Christ was born when things were quiet and still, with only his family and a few shepherds present. Those present intently focused on the mystery of His birth, speechless and filled with wonder, awe, and love. They could not fully comprehend the mystery but could contemplate a great deal. Through the ages, many have followed their example of quiet contemplation of this scene at Bethlehem. Spiritually kneeling beside the crib, overflowing with awe and wonder at this mystery of God's love. This timeless scene influences all of mankind, past and present. This child was born to bring hope and salvation to all and to lead us from darkness to eternal light. A good way for me to remember the meaning of Christmas is to read some of the many wonderful, inspirational stories. One of my favorites is The Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke.

I'm sure most of us (if not all) know the story of the three wise men who followed the star to the manger-cradle in Bethlehem to offer their gifts. The Other Wise Man tells of the wise man who saw the star rising and set out to follow but he didn't arrive with his brethern to the presence of the babe, Jesus. I will give a synopsis of this beautiful story here. I hope you enjoy it as much as I.

In the days of Augustus Caesar and King Herod, there lived among the mountains of Persia, a man named Artaban, the Median. He wore the dress of the ancient priesthood of the Magi. One December night he told his friends of the secret of the heavens first taught to the Magi by the wise men in Chaldea. He asks them to hear the words of prophecy about the star coming out of Jacob, and a scepter arising out of Israel. He tells them of the plan worked out for himself and three companions (watching at the ancient Babylonian temple) that if the promised star appears, they will wait ten days for me and together we will set out for the King of Israel. Artaban tells his friends of his firm belief the sign will come and that he has made the preparations for the journey. He has sold his house and possessions and bought three jewels, a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl, all of which are to be given as tribute to the King. Artaban's friends think him foolish, with only one stating that although his body is too old for the pilgrimage, his heart will travel with Artaban. That very night as Artaban watched the eastern sky, the star appeared. He knew it was the sign and he set out on his journey.

The route of Artaban's journey was a long one, exactly ten days travel. Artaban rode wisely and at nightfall on the tenth day he was only three hours away from the temple. Suddenly, his horse stood still, quivering in every muscle. There in the road was an injured man. Artaban was filled with the questions of what to do with this man. He knew if he lingered, his arrival to the temple would be delayed. He prayed for God to direct him in the holy path, the way of wisdom. He ministered to the man with healing herbs and water. When the man awoke after a time and asked who Artaban was, Artaban explained his quest and left the man the last of his bread and wine and a healing potion. The injured man thanked and blessed Artaban. Artaban rode on, only to discover his companions had waited until past midnight and had set out. They invited Artaban to follow them across the desert. Artaban knew he couldn't make it without fresh supplies, so he went to Babylon and sold the sapphire to buy supplies.

Artaban had a long journey through the desert and arrived in Bethlehem three days after the three wise men had come and given their gifts to the baby Jesus. As Artaban entered Bethlehem from the open door of a low stone cottage he heard the sound of a woman softly singing. He entered and found a young mother singing her baby to sleep. The young woman told Artaban of the three strangers from the east who had arrived, and paid reverence to the baby of Joseph of Nazareth, then disappeared as quickly as they had arrived. Joseph and his family had fled that same night. Artaban was touched by the babe in the young woman's arms and filled with love. He decided to set out to Egypt to follow the one he sought. Suddenly, King Herod's soldiers arrived and began killing all the children. The young mother was terrified and with her baby clutched to her breast she cowered in the darkest corner of the room. Artaban went quickly and stood in the doorway, completely filling it with his shoulders. The soldiers started to push past him and Artaban told the captain he was alone in the place. Artaban offered the captain the ruby, the greedy captain accepted it and the soldiers moved onward. Artaban prayed for forgiveness and wondered if he would ever see the face of the King? The young mother, weeping with joy, thanked and blessed Artaban before he continued on his journey.

Artaban took counsel from a Hebrew rabbi, who reminded him the one he sought would be found not among the rich and powerful. The light for which the world awaited is new, the glory will rise out of patient and triumphant suffering. The kingdom, to be established forever, is new, the royalty of perfect and unconquerable love. Artaban traveled and searched among the people for the one he sought. He found none to worship, but many to help. He fed the hungry, clothed the naked, healed the sick, and comforted the captive...time swiftly passed. It almost seemed that Artaban had forgotten his quest. Thirty three years of the life of Artaban had passed and he was still a pilgrim and a seeker of light. He went one last time to Jerusalem, he felt in his heart this time he might succeed. It was the season of Passover and the city was overflowing with people. Artaban fell in with a group of people from his own country. He asked what the turmoil was about. The group explained they were headed to Golgotha where there was to be an execution of two thieves and one who was called the King of the Jews. Artaban's heart quickened, could it be? Could this be the babe from Bethlehem he had sought? As Artaban followed the procession with slow and painful steps, a young woman broke free from her soldier captors and threw herself at his feet, begging for his help to pay her ransom. Artaban was torn again as he had been twice before. That which he had consecrated to the worship of religion had been drawn from his hand to the service of humanity. As he contemplated, one thing was sure to his heart, to rescue this young girl would indeed be a gift of love. Is not love the light of the soul, he thought? Artaban took the pearl from his bosom and gave it to the young woman for her ransom. As he gave it to her he explained it was the last of his treasures he had kept for the King. As Artaban spoke, the sky grew darker, the earth shook, stones loosened and crashed into the street. The soldiers fled and Artaban and the young girl crouched beneath the wall of the Praetorium. Artaban wondered of what he was afraid, he had parted with his last hope of finding the one he had sought. Even in that thought Artaban had peace, not resignation nor submission, he knew all was well. Artaban knew he had done the best he could, every day. He had been true to the light given to him and although, he had not seen the revelation of "life everlasting, incorruptible and immortal, he knew if he were to live his life over again, it could not be otherwise than it had been. As one more pulsation shook the ground a heavy tile from the roof fell and hit Artaban on the temple. The young girl bent over him and heard a voice, small and still. Unable to make out the words, the young girl turned to see who was speaking and saw no one. Then Artaban's lips began to move as if in reply and she heard him speak. "No, my Lord, for when did I see You hungry that I fed You? or thirsty that I gave You drink? When did I see You, a stranger, and take You in? or You naked and clothed You? Thirty three years I have searched for You, but I have never seen Your face nor ministered to You." As Artaban finished speaking, the young girl heard the voice again, this time she understood. "In doing these things to one of the least of my people you have done these things to Me." Artaban's face lit with the radiance of wonder and joy as his last breath quietly exited his body. Artaban's journey was over, his gifts were accepted, he had found the King.

When I begin to feel stressed and overwhelmed by the Christmas season, I stop and think of the true meaning behind it all. I take the time to read and reflect upon God's awesome love. I immediately feel calmer. I highly recommend reading the entire story, The Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke, this Christmas season and perhaps every Christmas season. God bless you.