I first read The Story of the Other Wise Man by Henry van Dyke last Christmas. Just one reading made it my favorite annual "must read". Written in 1896 this story is still meaningful and engaging.
This tale is about Artaban a Zoroastrian scholar. Knowing that the stars will show the coming of the King he watches and waits. When he sees the sign in the sky he sets out to meet with other magi, or wise men, to follow the star together. During his journey he repeatedly comes across people who need his assistance. Although his deepest desire is to attend to the King his moral convictions make him choose otherwise. Throughout his life he helps others always believing that he he has failed his Lord.
The traditional religious message is supplemented with Bible passages throughout many parts of van Dyke's tale. The story spans thirty-three years and ends with the crucifixion.
There are a lot of options for this story. It is available as hardcover and paperback, it is free on Kindle and can be read free on Google Books. You can also read it free here. The Story of the Other Wise Man can also be listened to for free from Librivox.
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