Summary:

The Story of the Other Wise Man by Henry van Dyke shares an important message.  Artaban, the Median, has studied ancient prophecies.  When signs appear in the Heavens he knows it is time for the fulfillment of one such prophecy.  The promised one will be born King of the Jews.  He sets out to meet his friends, three fellow Magi, who also wish to find the newborn King.  Artaban takes three precious jewels with him as gifts for the King.  As he hurries to meet the Magi at an appointed place and time he stops to help a dying man.  He then arrives too late to travel with his Magi friends and must set out alone.  He wanders for many years in search of the King.  He helps many people along the way and in the process gives away all the jewels that were meant as gifts for the King.  When he feels all is lost and he no longer has anything to give the King, he learns a most important truth and finds peace and happiness at last.
 

My thoughts:

I found this book inspiring.  It is a book I will want to read aloud with my family year after year.  There is much to be learned from this story.  I learned of  humility, love, sacrifice, service and charity.  The most important gifts are those we give of ourselves to others.

"...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."  Mosiah 2:17