Do You Know What Hurts Me?

Henry Van Dyke wrote a fictional account of a “fourth” Wise Man’s journey to Bethlehem to visit the newborn King. Actually, the Gospel doesn’t tell us how many Wise Men (or Magi) followed the “Star of Bethlehem,” but according to popular tradition, there were three: Caspar, Melchior and Baltassar. But there also is a tradition of the “Fourth Wise Man” whose name was Artaban…

As Artaban prepared to follow the star, he carefully wrapped three valuable gifts for the newborn King: a glittering sapphire, a magnificent ruby and a pearl of great price.

On his way to the place where he was to meet the other Magi and begin the journey, Artaban encountered a sick traveler who was alone and in need of help. If he stopped to assist the sick person, Artaban would surely miss the rendezvous with his friends. Nevertheless, he stayed. Consequently, he was late for the departure of the caravan. Now he had to make the journey alone, and…