Today is the 12th and the last day of Christmas for most Christians, especially from the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other mega-churches like the Lutheran, Methodist, Anglican churches, among others. It’s a Christmas feast called the Epiphany which celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ.
We are all familiar about these three wise men in the traditional names of Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthazar who brought gifts to baby Jesus some 2,000 years ago. They may not bear those names in reality but this has captured the hearts of many Christians, children and adults alike. These are the “Three Kings” from the East who brought gold, myrrh, and frankincense. It is commonly accepted that they are the ones and their “giving” that are being celebrated today.
But it’s very interesting to note that a legendary writer Henry van Dyke wrote a story about “The Fourth Wise Man”. The story revolves around Artaban, a magi is the fourth wise man who desired to follow the star to the birthplace of the coming King, and was supposed to join the three other wise men, but misses the caravan because of too many “obstructions” along the way.
Martin Sheen plays Artaban in the 1980’s movie depiction of this van Dyke classic. Artaban is a very known physician and an educated man who carefully gazes and observes the stars. From his star-watching, he was convinced that the Savior has finally come to this planet.
The saddest yet humorous part of the story is when Artaban sells all that he has and his riches to seek the baby born in Israel. With little provisions, Artaban sets off on a journey with precious gifts for the baby Jesus. He spends the rest of his remaining wealth and all of his energy by helping the poor while not forgetting his personal mission to meet and serve the baby Jesus.
Becoming the Fourth Magi to Others
We as Christians and children of God all desire to meet our King when we’re finally done in this earthly life. But as we “seek” to be with our Savior and Lord after physical death, do we desire to be with Jesus in every person and creature that we meet?
What is our purpose in accumulating wealth? Is it to feed your own greedy wants? Or is it meant to serve Christ through others?
The great lesson learned from this movie is that if we spend our life serving the poor, the sick, the oppressed, and the needy, we already truly spent serving Jesus Christ himself. After all, Jesus said that we can love Him through these verses:
“Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ ’” – Matthew 25:37-40
Here’s the full movie clip of the adventure/drama movie “The Fourth Wise Man” starring Martin Sheen and other Hollywood stars. Spend your last day of Christmas reflecting on this very sad yet heartwarming film.
“God of truth and purity, direct me in the holy path, the way of wisdom which only you know.” – Artaban
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