Today's story is The First Christmas Tree by Henry van Dyke. One of my favorite 1880's authors,Van Dyke was a minister who wrote stories to read to his congregation. He presented this one for the first time in 1897.
Set in the year 722 the main characters Prince Gregor and Winfried of England set out to convert the pagan peoples of the German forests on Christmas Eve. Winfried, later known as Boniface, are able to destroy "Thor's Oak" where the people are worshipping. Winfried shows them a fir tree, calling it the tree of the Christ Child, for their new worship of the Christ Child.
Van Dyke was known to have done research for his writing and it shows in his descriptions of medieval Germany. Fans of history will find this book a delight to read. The time period enhances a wonderful tale. If you enjoyed The Other Wise Man you will enjoy this book as well.
This text is under 100 pages in most formats so is easily read in one day. There are free downloads as ebooks from Project Gutenberg, Google Books, the Sony estore and Kindle. A wonderful audio book is available for free as well. It lasts about 55 minutes.
Showing posts with label Henry van Dyke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Henry van Dyke. Show all posts
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Day 6 Christmas Story
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.
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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