The Fourth Wiseman

The fourth wiseman

Most people know the tale of the three wiseman who journeyed from far and wide to bring treasured gifts to celebrate the birth of a baby boy.

They followed the Star of Bethlehem, and wearied through deserts and mountains.

But there was another.

One who was poor, but gave what he had. One who loved children, and snuck from door to door, leaving them shoes, when they needed them, fresh citrus when it was hard to find providing much neEded Vitamin C when it was scarce.

A man who went by many names, preferring anonymity to praise.

And this man, from across the sea, saw the star of Bethlehem too, and he knew there was a Child he needed to see.

But something strange happened.

Where the other wiseman were brought on a fairly direct route, his journey took him the most round about way. In truth, he never should have arrived at all. For certainly he arrived delayed.

You see, the star led him, almost in the opposite direction. Exactly how this happened, no one knows. And for many miles he trekked, until the warm Mediterranean clime eased into a brisk, chilled world. And before he knew it, he was immersed in snow, and a bitter, bone freezing cold.

But along the way he was warm, for he stayed moving constantly. And every day when he paused for daylight, or during bitter, winter storms, when the stars were hidden from sight. There was always a place to take shelter.

A family in need of an extra set of hands. And always a warm bed, a pile of straw, a blanket, a coat, whatever he needed almost as if the universe were returning to him, the many gifts he had given.

And as the days grew colder and shorter, so did the people. Until the only people he saw, were very small, and very sly. Almost as though they were more creature than human.

But they could build something out of nothing. And it was here he was given what he knew, he was meant to bring to The Child.

But now when the star appeared again, It almost seemed to lead back from where he had already come. And the man, named, Nicholas despaired. He felt a sense of urgency but knew he had even farther to go than he’d already been.

His journey it seemed, was for naught.

And just as he sank to the snow, a tear, perfectly formed on his cheek, turned to ice instantly from the bitter chill.

A puff of warm air, melted the tear, and as it continued down its path, Nicholas looked up. Staring straight into what felt like his very soul, was a pair of humongous, dark brown eyes. They blinked at him slowly, while a large black, wet nose snuffled his face.

Antlers, strong and wide, sprouted from this beasts head. In wonder, Nicholas could only stare, he’d never seen something like this.

And as he slowly rose, he saw a sight, he would never forget. 8 of these beasts, hooked to a large, red, sleigh. While the small creatures he had become most fond of, laughed softly, for they had crafted something, from nothing.

Nicholas could only shake his head in amazement. For here he had planned to walk, and it seemed as though he would not have to. At least while there was snow.

He took a seat, picked up the leather reins and gave them a quick snap, the beasts began moving forward, faster and faster until Nicholas felt as though he were flying.

A sudden lurch, he looked down with a gasp, as the white world fell away.

In amazement and wonder, blinded by the light of the Star, brighter than ever, he bellowed out a startling, “Ho, Ho, Ho!”

A sudden movement caught his eye, when he noticed, The small creatures had stowed away on his sleigh. And in payment for the ride, they offered a large, warm, brilliant red coat, which he took with pride.

Before he knew it, the sleigh was landing, just out of sight, behind a large sand dune.

The temperature; much hotter now. He shrugged off his coat. Picked up his gift. And swiftly strode across the hill, passing as he did, three very wise men.

He saw before him a young woman, a young man. And a baby. Surrounded by animals. Overcome with emotion he knelt before them. Offering his humble gift.

He looked at the woman, then the man and spoke, just once, “this will be our little secret.”

With a wink, he turned and strode away.

The couple, bemused, unwrapped the parcel, left behind for their child.

Something to save for later, the man said proudly.

For in deed, the child would be much older when he was finally able to use, his very own carpentry set.