The Fourth Wise Man
Card Design
Inspiration
The Fourth Wise Man History by Henry van Dyke (1896)
Short version of the story
The fourth wise man history
The story is an addition and expansion of the account of the Biblical Magi, a priest of the Magi named Artaban, one of the Medes from Persia. Like the other Magi, he sees signs in the heavens proclaiming that a King had been born among the Jews. Like them, he sets out to see the newborn ruler, carrying treasures to give as gifts to the child - a diamond, a jasper, and a ruby. However, he stops along the way to help a dying man, which makes him late to meet with the caravan of the other three wise men. Because he missed the caravan, and he can't cross the desert with only a horse, he is forced to sell one of his treasures (the diamond) in order to buy the camels and supplies necessary for the trip. He then commences his journey but arrives in Bethlehem too late to see the child, whose parents have flew to Egypt. He saves the life of a child at the price of another of his treasures (the ruby).
He then travels to Egypt and to many other countries, searching for Jesus for many years and performing acts of charity along the way. After 33 years, Artaban is still a pilgrim, and a seeker after light. Artaban arrives in Jerusalem just in time for the crucifixion of Jesus. He spends his last treasure, the jasper, to ransom a young woman from being sold into slavery. He is then struck in the head by a falling roof tile and is about to die, having failed in his quest to find Jesus, but having done much good through charitable works. A voice tells him "Verily I say unto thee, Inasmuch as thou hast done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, thou hast done it unto me."(Matthew 25:40) He dies in a calm radiance of wonder and joy. His treasures were accepted, and the Other Wise Man found his King.
The illustration is a symbolic scene in heaven, after the death of Artaban.
Artaban sacrificed his life, and God rewarded him with the crown of life.
According to the Bible, the Crown of Life is a reward for special acts of service, perseverance under trial, and dedication to the King.
Award & Invitation
Award (left)
First place at the card contest for the "puertorriqueñidad" week (2014)
Invitation (right)
It was used for the invitation cards for the 'Puerto Rican Week' event ("La semana de la puertorriqueñidad") at EDP University of Puerto Rico.
Additional Information
Traditionally, Western Christianity celebrates the Three Kings Day on January 6, particularly in the Spanish-speaking parts of the world. In these areas, the Three Kings ("los Reyes Magos de Oriente", "Los Tres Reyes Magos," or simply "Los Reyes Magos") receive letters from children and so bring them gifts at night. According to the tradition, the Magi come from the Orient on their camels to visit the houses of all the children. They visit everyone in one night.
