Wisemen Still Seek Him

The Other Wise Man .....

Chad did a wonderful job for our ward party being the other wise man. He narrated the part and the girls sang during the performance.

I adapted a play from Henry Van Dyke's book "The Other Wise Man"

Wisemen Still Seek Him
In the days of Augustus Caesar, were men like me, Artaban, who studied the words and prophesies of old. It has been shown to me and my three companions among the Magi---Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar---and we have discovered from the fountain of Truth the prophecy of the Messiah. In that day the Victorious shall arise out of the number of the prophets in the east country. Around him shall shine a mighty brightness, and he shall make life everlasting, incorruptible, and immortal, and the dead shall rise again.
He Sent His Son--song
We have studied the sky and know that the stars are the thoughts of the Eternal. They are numberless. Hear the words of this prophecy: “There shall come a star out of Jacob, and a scepter shall arise out of Israel.”
Stars Were Gleaming (1 verse)song
The sign has come. I made ready for the journey, sold my possessions, and bought these three jewels--- a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl---to carry them as tribute to the King. I planned to meet my three companions at the temple 10 days journey from my home. As I traveled swiftly through the last night, I met upon the road a man. I asked myself how could I stay and minister to a dying stranger when I must meet my companions. Alas, I dismounted from my swift horse and tended to his needs. I explained to the man who I was. “I am Artaban and am going to Jerusalem in search of one who is to be born King of the Jews”. The stranger told me that the Messiah must be sought in Bethlehem, not Jerusalem.
When Joseph Went to Bethlehem-song
(Open curtains to Nativity Scene)
I traveled on and found that I had arrived at my destination too late to meet my friends, the three wise men. How could I cross the desert alone and with no provisions? So I turned to the city to sell my sapphire and prepare for the journey alone. Only God the merciful knows whether I shall not lose the sight of the King because I tarried to show kindness to a stranger.
Away in a Manger (1 verse)song
Now at last, I shall surely find him, though I be alone and later than my brethren who offered their gifts of gold, frankincense and, myrrh. I must find the house and present my ruby and pearl to the new king.
(Close Curtain)
As I walked the city streets, I came upon a cottage and heard the sound of a woman’s voice singing softly.
Oh, Hush Thee, My Baby (Raina)song
I was welcomed in and found a young mother hushing her baby to rest. She told me of the magi who had followed the star to a place where Joseph of Nazareth was lodging with his wife and newborn child. “But they have disappeared again”, she said, “Into Egypt, it is whispered.”
Suddenly there came the noise of a wild confusion in the streets of the village, a shrieking and wailing of voices, “the soldiers are killing our children”, and the clashing of swords. I stood in the doorway as a soldier came down the street. “I am all alone”, I told the soldier and showed him my ruby. The captain was amazed at the splendor of the gem and shouted, “March on. There is no child here.” as he clasped the ruby tightly in his hand.
Jesus Once Was a Little Child (1 verse)song
The one I seek has gone before me; and now I must follow the King to Egypt. Two of my gifts are gone. Shall I ever be worthy to see the face of the King?
Beautiful Savior (Aubree, Lindsey, Bekah,)song
Thirty and three years of my life had passed away and I was still a pilgrim and a seeker after light. Still looking for the King I came one last time to Jerusalem. There was a tumult in the city and I inquired of a man where they were going. “To Golgotha, outside the city walls----Jesus of Nazareth has been condemned to the cross.” My heart beat treacherously with the troubling news, but perhaps I could save him. I would offer my pearl as a ransom for him.
Down the steps toward Damascus gate I walked. A girl ran to me with a look of anguish on her face. “Have pity on me and save me. I am a daughter of a merchant but he is dead and I am seized for his debts to be sold as a slave. Save me from worse than death.” The conflict between the girl and the King I sought divided my heart. Only one thing I knew for sure---to rescue this helpless girl would be a true deed of love. And is not love the light of the soul? I took the pearl from my bosom and laid it in the hand of the slave girl. “This is thy ransom daughter. It is the last of my treasures which I kept for the King.”
Jesus Said Love Everyone (Alivia, Nina)song
I parted with the last hope of finding him. The quest was over and it had failed. I lay down that night in despair. Then in a dream came a voice through the twilight, very small and still. It told me that my gifts were accepted by the King and that I had served Him well. “How my Lord? When saw I thee an hungered and fed thee? Or thirsty and gave thee drink? When saw I thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked, and clothed thee? When saw I thee sick or in prison and came unto thee? Thirty three years have I looked for Thee; but I have never seen Thy face, nor ministered to Thee, my King.” The sweet voice came again and said, “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.”
My journey was ended. My treasure accepted. I, the other wise man, had found the King.
Open curtain to nativity----Silent Night (Congregation Sings)