I have a special Christmas tradition. As the holiday nears, I find it more difficult to focus on the reason for the season. I need reminders that God chose to come as a baby in order to eventually pay the price for the sins of the world. One of the best reminders I have found is a little book.
“The Story of the Other Wise Man” by Henry van Dyke takes place during Jesus’ lifetime. It spans the months before His birth until His death. It’s the story of the man who was to be the fourth wise man to seek out the King to be born to the Jews. Circumstances change his plans and he does not travel from the East with his friends. But he never stops pursuing the King and what happens along the way stirs my spirit and soul.
A couple of days before Christmas I get it out. If time permits I start reading then. If not, Christmas morning I read the entire book. It always focuses me on the One Whose birth we celebrate Christmas day. My copy was published in 1984. I don’t remember where or when I bought it but it has been with me for many years.
If you’re thinking of adding a simple tradition for yourself and your family, it’s a story I believe school-aged children could enjoy read over a few evenings. And any adult will be blessed by this wise man’s journey. A link to Amazon follows:
There are other editions, a DVD and the story is part of a collection but the edition above is my favorite.
Please share traditions you have to remind yourself about why we celebrate and have a great holiday season!
For a number of years, I listened to an album or CD of Handel’s Messiah from beginning to end on Christmas night. The Messiah begins in the Old Testament prophecies of Isaiah, progresses through the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and crucifixion, and culminates in the famed “Hallelujah Chorus.” Virtually all the words sung throughout the entire work are direct quotes from the Bible. This always brings me right back to the reason we celebrate both Christmas and Easter.
I do love that epic work too. Handel’s oratorio is so special. He wrote the music to Charles Jennens’ libretto in just 3 weeks. It is an amazing testament to inspiration by God.