The Story of the Other Wise Man

"The Story of the Other Wise Man," written in 1896 by Henry van Dyke, begins long ago with four wise an gifted astrologers as they set out to find the Prince of Heaven and Earth. The wise men realize that this is the most important journey they will ever take. However, one of them, named Artaban, leaves a little late and then stops to comfort a helpless, dying old man. By the time Artaban can set out to find his companions, he has spent too much time with his errand of charity, and must begin his search all over again. In "The Story of the Other Wise Man," Artaban then takes several more detours on his life's quest because of the kindness of his heart and mind. He spends the rest of his life in a search for Christ, but each time he comes close to his goal, he is sidetracked by the need to help another human being. Artaban does not regret his decision, but his youth passes and he becomes a dignified and just old man without ever seeing the Christ. By the time he reaches the end of his life, Artaban has been lovingly touched by the Christ in a way that seems far better than if he had been with his companions on that night in Bethlehem. Not much longer than a long short story, "The Story of the Other Wise Man" is the perfect book for reading aloud with the family this holiday season.