{"id":115,"date":"2022-11-06T17:58:40","date_gmt":"2022-11-06T17:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demo.tartaglia.com\/?page_id=115"},"modified":"2024-03-09T23:50:17","modified_gmt":"2024-03-09T23:50:17","slug":"sample-chapter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tartaglia.com\/lastgiftofthemagi\/sample-chapter\/","title":{"rendered":"Sample Chapter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||-66px|||&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tartaglia.com\/lastgiftofthemagi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Cover.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Cover&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;|2px|38px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|0px||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tartaglia.com\/lastgiftofthemagi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Back-Cover_Final.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Back Cover_Final&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;88%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||25px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tartaglia.com\/lastgiftofthemagi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Notes-of-Historical-Interest.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Notes of Historical Interest&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tartaglia.com\/lastgiftofthemagi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Prologue.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Prologue&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|99px|||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">According to Western oral tradition, there were three<br \/>Wise Men, or Magi, who visited Bethlehem some two thousand years ago. Three was the number used for the Wise Men and was selected by Emperor Constantine\u2019s wife in the 4th Century. She thought three Magi were more in keeping with the Triune God. The original Latin records<br \/>gave the names of nine Magi. In Eastern tradition, however, there were twelve. While the number of Magi may have been a point of contention between the East and West for centuries, what was agreed upon was that gifts of a special nature were brought by a caravan for the Divine Child.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Many have traveled on that caravan. This is the story of one of them, a little camel named Jamil. It is also the story of the last gift of the Magi; a story that has been lost for two thousand years. If you had visited with the Magi in the little town of Bethlehem that cold winter\u2019s morn, you would have felt spiritually blessed and somehow chosen. Your life would have changed forever. This story is being told to help you experience that blessing. The last gift of the Magi is still being given today, and every day. When you discover who is giving it, you will have met one of the Magi and behold the Divine Child. Let the journey begin.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tartaglia.com\/lastgiftofthemagi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dedication.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Dedication&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;22px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>To my wife Jeanne Civello-Tartaglia, the Italian American <br \/>firebrand, gift from God, a delightful being who exemplifies <br \/>carrying Christ around in all that she does. <em>Thank you for <\/em><br \/><em>your encouragement and support.<\/em> <br \/>Without her love and backing, I would not have had the <br \/>stability or peace of mind to do what I do.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tartaglia.com\/lastgiftofthemagi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Acknowledgements.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Acknowledgements&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;17px|||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|103px||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>A big thank you to Mark Victor Hanson, who encouraged me to finish this story and has been a friend who has always seen potential in me. He is the most creative being I have ever met. I enjoy our endless hours of banter about any topic that we choose. I always come away feeling better about life.<\/p>\n<p>To Les Brown. We have always considered each other family from that first meeting so many years ago. Our backgrounds were so diverse, but our values, virtues, and flaws were so similar that it was like we grew up in the same family. He has always left me with hope in every interaction we have had.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;52px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|91px|||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Copyright \u00a9 2022 by Louis A. Tartaglia, M.D.<br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\">LAST GIFT OF THE MAGI<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\">A CHRISTMAS PARABLE FOR ALL SEASONS<\/span><br \/>\nAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed\u201c<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Attention: Permissions Coordinator,\u201d<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:carol@markvictorhansenlibrary.com\">carol@markvictorhansenlibrary.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Quantity sales special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at <a href=\"mailto:carol@markvictorhansenlibrary.com\">carol@markvictorhansenlibrary.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Orders by U.S. trade bookstores and wholesalers.<br \/>\nEmail: <a href=\"mailto:carol@markvictorhansenlibrary.com\">carol@markvictorhansenlibrary.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Cover Design &#8211; Low &amp; Joe Creative, Brea, CA 92821<br \/>\nBook Layout &#8211; DBree, StoneBear Design<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Manufactured and printed in the United States of America distributed globally by <a href=\"http:\/\/markvictorhansenlibrary.com\">markvictorhansenlibrary.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/tartaglia.com\/lastgiftofthemagi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/mvhl.png\" width=\"225\" height=\"84\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-165 aligncenter size-full\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">New York | Los Angeles | London | Sydney<br \/>\nISBN: 979-8-88581-062-3 Hardback<br \/>\nISBN: 979-8-88581-063-0 Paperback<br \/>\nISBN: 979-8-88581-064-7 eBook<br \/>\nLibrary of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication<br \/>\nData has been applied for<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Website design by Jim Vandenberg and<br \/>\nAnthony Zbierajewski at <a href=\"http:\/\/Webcasters.com\/\">Webcasters.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||4px|-3px||&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;||4px|-48px||&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;|||-4px|false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1><em><strong>Last Gift of the Magi:<\/strong><\/em><br \/><em><strong>A Christmas Parable for All Seasons<\/strong><\/em><\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||6px|-3px|false|false&#8221; custom_margin_tablet=&#8221;||6px|-48px|false|false&#8221; custom_margin_phone=&#8221;|||-4px|false|false&#8221; custom_margin_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #0f1111;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, serif;\"><i><b>By Louis A. Tartaglia M.D<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tartaglia.com\/lastgiftofthemagi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Camel.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Camel&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;17px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><em>Matthew 2:2 . . . <\/em><\/strong><br \/><strong><em>&#8220;Where is the newborn King of the Jews? <\/em><\/strong><br \/><strong><em>We have observed his star at its rising and have come to <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>pay him homage.&#8221;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/tartaglia.com\/lastgiftofthemagi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Chapter_One.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Chapter_One&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;89%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||27px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>They roughly shoved a drink in Jamil\u2019s face, and he<br \/>was grateful. He had been running all afternoon,<br \/>racing the other camels, and having the time of his<br \/>life. Jamil was the smallest adult male at the oasis, but he<br \/>wasn\u2019t going to let the bigger beasts get the best of him.<br \/>He was fast. He was as fast as the shooting star emblazonedon his forehead.<\/p>\n<p>Because he was so young, Jamil was allowed to run, to<br \/>burn off energy. The larger camels each thought that they<br \/>could outrun him and tried. But they were soon surprised<br \/>to be left in his dust. Jamil was rambunctious by nature;<br \/>part of that was his youth and inexperience. The rest was<br \/>his personality. He liked to be right. He liked to win, and<br \/>he didn\u2019t like to be told what to do. Eventually, he hoped<br \/>to become a racing camel, living the life of luxury, stabled<br \/>near a dromodrome or racetrack.<\/p>\n<p>For now, however, he had to settle on staying where his new owner brought him. I love to drink. It is my nature, he thought, as the cool gulps moved down his throat. Yet he doubted himself and looked around at the other camels. Even though Jamil was small and young, he was very handsome. He had a gorgeous blaze on his forehead that everyone loved to touch. He looked in the water and his reflection reminded him he was as fast as that shooting star on his forehead.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-25px|||||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Jamil gulped more of the sweet, cool water that was <br \/>before him. He was thirsty because he had spent the day <br \/>racing through the desert and hadn\u2019t stopped to drink. <br \/>Today, I proved that they can\u2019t make fun of my size. <br \/>I\u2019m faster than them. I showed them, he said to himself.<br \/>Jamil was mumbling as he drank. He had beaten all of them <br \/>back to the oasis. His heart was pounding. He listened to <br \/>the noise it made in his chest. His thumping heart often <br \/>sounded like a soft voice. When he raced, he imagined that <br \/>voice was cheering him on.<\/p>\n<p>He listened, but now it sounded like a gnawing thought <br \/>that kept creeping back into his consciousness, Experience greatness . . . camel . . . stop drinking . . . caravan journey. The thought echoed and then faded out with his heartbeat. You must journey through the desert and abstain from drinking in order to understand your life\u2019s purpose.<\/p>\n<p>There was a part of him that felt a wisp of joy and <br \/>then slowly saddened as the voice dwindled within him.<br \/>\u201cWhat nonsense,\u201d Jamil muttered. \u201cA caravan? I love the <br \/>oasis and comfort. I know I am a camel and according to <br \/>the elder camels, I am supposed to live in the desert, but <br \/>I\u2019m going to the city and race. I\u2019m going to live the good <br \/>life. I\u2019m not going to be a dumb pack animal like the rest of <br \/>them struggling to fi nd the next oasis.\u201d He looked around <br \/>to see if anyone noticed that he was talking to himself.<br \/>When traveling through the desert, it was vital to know <br \/>the location of an oasis.<\/p>\n<p>During the day, the desert was hot as the sun\u2019s rays beat down on the arid plains and scorched the dunes. When night fell, however, the temperature dropped by as much as fifty degrees and chilled one to the bones. Only special creatures could adapt to the brutal environment. No one chose to go out into the desert without an important purpose.<\/p>\n<p>The oasis where this camel was drinking was known as <br \/>Kashan, after the family of that name. There was always <br \/>considerable activity at an oasis, and this evening was no <br \/>exception. A thin crescent of moon hung on the horizon on <br \/>this dark night. Everyone was talking about the strange <br \/>phenomenon that was occurring in the sky near it. A new, <br \/>rather bright star had appeared in the West. It had the <br \/>appearance of a large shooting star that was slowly moving westward.<\/p>\n<p>The western portion of the star was blunted, and its tail gave it the impression of flying towards the west. It always seemed to be moving.<\/p>\n<p>The usual nomads were there because Kashan was a watering spot for their herds. They were all part of the same tribe or extended family, some close, some distant, but all related by blood. Many of them had the same features with thick beards and muscular bodies.<\/p>\n<p>Tonight, however, the oasis was buzzing with travelers from many lands beyond Persia who were following the star. There were elders tonight. That made it a special night. To look at them was to be fascinated, but to hear their stories was to be enchanted by the love of God. All listened attentively to the elders speak of the meaning of this new celestial body. They were speaking about how it reflected God\u2019s love for man.<\/p>\n<p>These elders were Zoroastrians, followers of Zarathustra, and known as Magi, or priests, because of their status. <br \/>One from the group, a certain Gaspar, was a Magus from <br \/>far-off India. He was said to be a direct descendant of <br \/>Sem, the son of Noah. He was the oldest of the group and<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>had a long, fl owing white beard. He was dressed in an elegant white and purple silk garment and a purple turban. <br \/>He wore a large star sapphire ring on his left hand.<br \/>Jamil tried to squeeze in to hear what was being said.<br \/>\u201cMove away, weakling,\u201d one of the camels said. He was <br \/>large and smelly and not too friendly.<\/p>\n<p>He nudged Jamil aside and one of his friends moved in. <br \/>Jamil had to stay off to the periphery. He was behind four <br \/>older camels who were long-time friends, reunited at the <br \/>oasis. Coming to a watering site was cause for celebration <br \/>for camels. These four were happy to be back in each other\u2019s company. They were large pack animals for a group <br \/>of men who were listening intently to the magus.<\/p>\n<p>Gaspar was talking about the reason the heavens had created this new star. The Zoroastrian Magi were considered astrologers, but they were more than that. They were spiritually adept and felt a responsibility to view the stars with respect. They believed God whispered his love for all His creation through the stars.<\/p>\n<p>Gaspar spoke in a deep, vibrant voice that filled the cool night air. He shook his head from side to side when he <br \/>wanted acknowledgment, as was the custom in his Indian <br \/>culture.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEvery soul on earth has a counterpart in the heavens. <br \/>Each star represents a being. We Zoroastrians believe that <br \/>there is a heavenly part of each complete being. When an <br \/>individual is born, the parts are separate, and at death, the <br \/>individual unites with his heavenly counterpart. A new star <br \/>of this magnitude represents the arrival on the earth of a <br \/>special soul.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Gaspar paused and then with great emphasis spoke<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>deliberately, \u201cThis star is so bright and so unusual that we <br \/>believe it fulfi lls the ancient prophecy of the coming of the <br \/>Jewish Messiah.\u201d Gaspar looked around at his colleagues <br \/>and moved his head to the side as they raised their eyes <br \/>in acknowledgment.<\/p>\n<p>Gaspar paused, waiting for the murmur that rose from <br \/>the group of nomads to settle down. None of these nomads <br \/>were Jewish. Some may have had Zoroastrian roots, but all <br \/>of them knew that the Jewish God, Yahweh, was powerful. <br \/>They knew the stories of the Israelites\u2019 fl ight from Egypt, <br \/>the parting of the Red Sea, and the fall of Jericho, and <br \/>understood the power of Yahweh indeed!<\/p>\n<p>Jamil was marginally able to understand any of this. He <br \/>was a young camel, not given to listening to humans and <br \/>their discussions. His focus was on fun. He had a future <br \/>somewhere other than with caravan drivers.<\/p>\n<p>Before this, Jamil\u2019s days had been filled with running <br \/>and playing. He was as carefree as the wind and until men <br \/>had come and separated him from his family, his life was <br \/>ideal. His parents had told him it was time for him to grow <br \/>up and learn about work and responsibility. It was time to <br \/>discover what it was to be a camel. They told him to listen <br \/>to and obey the camel drivers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCarry your burdens well, Jamil,\u201d his father had told him.<br \/>Jamil was not interested in carrying burdens; he was <br \/>too small, and he was a race camel at heart.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cShow respect and pay attention to your handlers,\u201d his <br \/>mother said. She knew that this was going to be a problem. Paying attention was not one of his strengths, and <br \/>respect, suffice it to say that Jamil had a talent for testing <br \/>authority. Jamil had been a handful for his handlers thus far.<\/p>\n<p>He figured being temperamental was part of being a racer. He was hell-bent on living up to that ideal. Jamil was led away from his family by a kindly camel driver who knew the small animal was not fit for racing. He did not have the right lines or body type. Racing camels were leaner, taller, and had longer strides. At best, he would amount to a small pack animal who would only be able to carry insignificant loads. He would not bring much money, but if trained well, someone would want him. His <br \/>camel driver thought he would be fit for a female rider <br \/>once he matured a bit.<\/p>\n<p>Jamil was young and fit, but not accustomed to working. <br \/>As the camel driver led him away, he looked back fearing <br \/>that his parents were right and that his life was changed <br \/>forever. A few minutes later, they were far behind him and <br \/>no amount of looking back could find them.<\/p>\n<p>Since then, he had not paid as much attention to the <br \/>camel drivers and took every opportunity to run free. <br \/>When they were at campsites, Jamil generally ignored <br \/>humans. They were bossy and arrogant. They could not <br \/>walk or run very fast and some of them had odors that <br \/>offended his sensitive camel nose. He was fortunate that <br \/>the camel drivers let him run and play. They let him do this <br \/>because he was a young camel and young camels always <br \/>returned to the oasis. Because of his speed, Jamil always <br \/>returned first.<\/p>\n<p>Jamil tried to ignore humans, but tonight was different. <br \/>He was listening with all the others. What was being said <br \/>was extremely important. There was an air of excitement <br \/>and anticipation about this conversation. It was as if a<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>secret was being shared. He liked secrets but didn\u2019t often<br \/>hear any. His childhood had been filled with few friends<br \/>and few shared secrets.<\/p>\n<p>Gaspar pointed toward the heavens with both arms<br \/>raised as he spoke again. \u201cNotice the brilliance of the new<br \/>celestial body. The heavens are celebrating the arrival of<br \/>a grand new spirit with a powerful burst of light.\u201d<br \/>Men and camels both looked up. Jamil saw the star, too.<br \/>The star on my forehead is bigger than that, he thought.<br \/>\u201cEvery year, the Magi have prayed in a cave at the<br \/>Mountain of Victories, awaiting the fulfillment of the<br \/>prophecy of the Oracle of Hystapes,\u201d Gaspar said.<\/p>\n<p>The name Hystapes sent whispers through the crowd.<br \/>For centuries, the Magi had awaited the fulfillment of this<br \/>prophecy. Lore had it that the oracle at Hystapes had<br \/>uncovered a scroll during a voyage over Mount Ararat.<br \/>The scroll dated back to the time of the Great Flood, and<br \/>it carried a list of instructions that Noah had given to his<br \/>three sons.<\/p>\n<p>Among the list of detailed observances was the<br \/>Messiach command, to keep sacred the twenty-third of<br \/>July as a day of prayer and meditation in a dark cave. The<br \/>purpose of the dark cave was twofold: to seclude an area<br \/>away from disturbances, and to allow enough darkness so<br \/>that the great light could be observed in an unmistakable<br \/>way. Through time, the ritual developed into a Magean<br \/>tradition. The Zoroastrians had chosen the Mount of Victories as the perennial site.<\/p>\n<p>Jamil was intrigued by the legend of the oracle. One of the older camels, who was kind to Jamil, turned and said, \u201cHumans have so many mysterious traditions.\u201d Jamil agreed. \u201cThey tell stories for hours on end.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-21px|||||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Gaspar went on with his story. \u201cWe have traveled for almost half a year since the feast day last July. I have come hundreds of miles from the northern provinces of India. I plan to meet two other groups of Magi in a short time. We will be traveling in a caravan of twelve and need some able-bodied, God-fearing men who are brave enough to travel across the Persian desert to the Roman kingdom of Judea.<\/p>\n<p>The pay will be good, but the journey will be fraught with inconveniences. The real reward will be that each of you who journey with us will be able to pay homage to the newborn king. You will be present at the mystery ritual of the Messiach command of Noah.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Again, a murmur went up from the crowd. This was more <br \/>than most of the men were willing to bargain for. Long <br \/>journeys were usually undertaken only for financial gain, <br \/>not for opportunities to pay homage to newborn kings.<br \/>Jamil decided to lie down while he listened. This promised to be a long night of discussion. As befit a camel, he first got down on his knees. Other than humans, the only creature in the animal kingdom that knelt before going to sleep and upon arising was the camel.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat kind of place is Judea?\u201d asked Abdul, a serious <br \/>young Bedouin who called no place home and yet was at <br \/>home almost anywhere. Gaspar thought for a moment. He stroked his thick white beard. \u201cJudea is a strange land indeed. It was given by God to the Jewish tribes so they could have a land of their own. They are a headstrong lot, and their land has been taken from them many times. The region is now under the control of the great Caesar Augustus, as he is called.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-26px|||||&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>It is under the Syrian Legate Quinctilius Varus and is administered by Herod, the Governor. The land is fertile, and the hills abound with a rich harvest. The vineyards and orchards rival those of my sweet India, which I might add, is the most fertile in all of creation. Trade through Judea is <br \/>very prosperous. Its safety is guaranteed by the powerful <br \/>Roman legions. Laws are strictly enforced, but foreigners <br \/>are treated with respect.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Abdul had another question, and he was not timid about <br \/>asking. \u201cHow long will we be traveling? I need to know the <br \/>entire length of our journey. My wife is with child again, <br \/>and though she is just starting the gravid period, she <br \/>demands that I attend at the end; perchance a son is born <br \/>to me this time.\u201d The others laughed, knowing that he already had two daughters.<\/p>\n<p>He wanted to be present at the birth of this child in case a son was born. For Bedouins, having a son was crucial. One\u2019s family name would have continuity. A son could support a family. The more sons one had, the <br \/>more prosperous one was. In old age, however, a daughter would be special support to a father. He was grateful that he had two daughters.<\/p>\n<p>Gaspar picked up his knife and started drawing in the <br \/>sand. \u201cWe will first journey to Aleppo and then meet the <br \/>others in about one cycle of the moon from there. In a <br \/>fortnight, we will arrive at Palmyra and travel on through <br \/>Jericho, where we will ford the Jordan River. We must <br \/>present ourselves to the court of Herod, then travel a few <br \/>miles south to the site where we have estimated the child<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>is being nursed. Our plan, at this time, is to take the same <br \/>route on our return. It should take us less than four lunar <br \/>cycles to arrive back at this oasis.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While Gaspar paused, a voice rang out. \u201cBut go on Abdul!\u201d cried his great friend Nemir. \u201cYour woman can well have a son without you being in attendance, like a midwife. Being around for the birth of your child won\u2019t turn him into a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The men all started to laugh. Nemir was well known for <br \/>his ability to defuse the loudest argument with his wit <br \/>and whimsical remarks. He was short, squat, and rotund. <br \/>Nemir had an abundance, if not an excess, of energy. He <br \/>was blessed with a sunny, endearing nature, unlike that of <br \/>sober Abdul, who always wanted the facts.<\/p>\n<p>Jamil watched the two men and knew they were great friends. He wondered what it would be like to have a friend with whom one could trust and laugh. \u201cHow can so much noise come out of such a little package? It must be empty like a drum,\u201d said Abdul. He reached out and petted Nemir on the head, obviously making fun of how short his friend was. Just then, Jamil was nudged by another camel, who whispered into his ear, \u201cStop drinking . . . experience greatness . . . caravan journey.\u201d Jamil shuddered with fear when he heard his own thoughts whispered to him.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.21.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; text_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; link_text_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Last-Gift-Magi-Christmas-Parable\/dp\/B0BHRFHJ5R\/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1667534111&amp;refinements=p_27%3ALouis+Tartaglia&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-1&amp;text=Louis+Tartaglia\">To order The Last Gift Of The Magi, click here<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>According to Western oral tradition, there were threeWise Men, or Magi, who visited Bethlehem some two thousand years ago. Three was the number used for the Wise Men and was selected by Emperor Constantine\u2019s wife in the 4th Century. She thought three Magi were more in keeping with the Triune God. The original Latin recordsgave [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-115","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Last Gift of The Magi Sample Page<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A sample chapter from A Christmas Story. 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