The First Christmas Tree and the Story of the Other Wise Man

by Henry Van Dyke

This illustrated edition of two heartfelt holiday fables abounds in the Yuletide traditions of generosity and friendship, perfect sentiments for a gift book. "The First Christmas Tree" is a tale set during an eighth-century winter festival, where a struggle ensues between foresters worshipping pagan gods and a heroic pilgrim who has come to teach them about Christ's birth. In "The Story of the Other Wise Man," well-meaning Artaban prepares to join three fellow Magi in their journey to Judaea for the birth of a holy prince. But a needy stranger and a twist of fate will change his destiny. These timeless classics will capture the hearts of every family that loves Christmas readings.

Genres: Christmas, Christian

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2008

About the author

Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933) was an American Presbyterian clergyman, educator, and author. He graduated from Princeton in 1873, and from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1874. He was pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church, New York City (1883-99), professor of English literature at Princeton (1899-1923), and U.S. minister to the Netherlands (1913-16).

Among his popular inspirational writings is the Christmas story The Other Wise Man (1896). As President Wilson's ambassador to the Netherlands from 1913, Van Dyke was a first-hand witness to the outbreak of World War I and its progress, and was a key player in the President's diplomatic efforts to keep the U.S. out of the conflict.

Not to be confused with his father, Henry J. Van Dyke (1822-1891).

For more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/van-dyke...

Reviews

[Paul Secor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the story of the Other Wise Man may help to lighten whatever burdens you might be carrying.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two wonderful stories with a strong Christian message. Loved the beautifully described natural settings. The black and white sketches were amazing. The Christmas tree drawn was just perfect.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Van Dyke has a beautiful way with words, a style that paints a vivid picture underscored by the fervency of the faith he presents on the page.

This was my first time reading “The First Christmas Tree,” a short story following warrior priest Winfried of England, now Bishop Boniface, and his young protege, Prince Gregory, during an eighth-century winter festival. The fierce piety of these Christian brothers faces off against the pagans of the land as Winfried stops a child sacrifice and shares with them the story of Christ’s birth. I was transported and transfixed by this story.

“The Story of the Other Wise Man” is a tale I first encountered and very much enjoyed last Christmas, while reading the “Home for Christmas” short story collection. It’s a lovely, inventive tale, one that follows an imaginary fourth wise man as he tries—and fails—to follow the Star on his own and see the Christ Child. Instead, he spends the next thirty-plus years on the hunt for Him, and slowly spends the treasures he intended to lay at the Messiah’s young feet on the welfare of others. The ending is achingly poignant.

If you’re looking for short, beautifully crafted, lesser known Christmas tales that are all about the true Reason for the season, I heartily recommend both of these stories!

[Merlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was originally written in 1896 and 1897 (2 stories in one book). It was a short book (only 122 pages) and I was able to get through it very quickly. There was an unusual rhythm/cadence to the sentences and it was a bit difficult to comprehend the language choices. Therefore, I did not enjoy this book as much as I had initially thought.

[Judine Brey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like these stories, especially since I grew up watching Martin Sheen play "The Other Wise Man." However, I found both of them hard to read, mostly because the descriptions tended to bog down the story lines rather than add to them.

[Lu]

Christmas