The Fourth Wise Man
DEAR friend, as Christmas draws near, I would like to share a beautiful story I recently came across in a book from our friary’s library. Written by American author Henry van Dyke in 1895, the tale The Other Wise Man offers a touching and profound perspective on the well-known story of the Magi from Matthew’s Gospel who followed a star to Bethlehem to pay homage to the baby Jesus. In this version, a fourth Wise Man, Artaban, also follows the star to Bethlehem, bearing three precious gifts – a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl – to present to the new born Jesus.
While travelling to join the other three Wise Men, Artaban comes across a man who is close to death and decides to stay there and care for him. He uses the sapphire he had planned to give to the baby Jesus to cover the man’s medical expenses. Despite this delay, he hopes to catch up with Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. However, upon reaching Bethlehem, he learns that the Wise Men had already come and gone, and that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus had fled to Egypt to escape King Herod’s decree to kill all male infants. Heartbroken, Artaban decides to leave Bethlehem, but then he sees soldiers preparing to carry out Herod’s command. A desperate mother begs for help, and he sacrifices the ruby to pay off a soldier to save her child. Although saddened by his missed encounter with the child Jesus, Artaban continues his quest while still holding onto the pearl.
Over the next 33 years, Artaban travels far and wide, helping those in need while continuing his search for the King he longs to meet. His journey eventually leads him to Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion. Now an elderly man, weary and discouraged, he still holds onto the pearl, his ultimate gift for the King. When he learns that Jesus is about to be crucified, he hurries to offer the pearl as a ransom for His life. But along the way, he encounters a young woman about to be sold into slavery. Deeply moved by her plight, he gives away his last treasure, the pearl, to secure her freedom.
At that moment, an earthquake shakes the city, and Artaban is fatally injured by a falling roof tile. As he lies dying, he hears the voice of Jesus, assuring him that every act of love and mercy he performed for others was indeed done for Him. In his final moments, Artaban finds peace, realizing that through his acts of service, he had discovered the King he had sought all his life.
The Other Wise Man is a powerful story that reveals the deeper meaning of Christmas, showing how generosity, compassion, and caring for others surpass the worth of material gifts. Artaban’s long journey in search of the King of kings beautifully embodies the core Christian values of love and charity, reminding us that the spirit of Christmas lies not primarily in the exchange of gifts between family and friends, but in everyday acts of kindness and compassion. Artaban’s story teaches us that caring for the vulnerable, and letting compassion guide our actions, is the truest way to express God’s love, even when the path is difficult or uncertain.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us pause to reflect on the eternal love of God, who became human to set us free. In the midst of the darkness of today’s world, let us find hope in the light that shines from the humble grotto of Bethlehem. As we strive to draw closer to Jesus, let us try to welcome him in all the ways he shows up in our lives, not just at Christmas, but always.
On behalf of all the friars of the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy, we wish you a Merry Christmas.
Updated on December 17 2024