Showing results by author "Henry Van Dyke" in All Categories

Why did you choose the title The Valley of Vision for your book? my friend asked, prompting me to reflect deeply, as every thoughtful question should. The mountain-top offers a sweeping view of the world, yet it is within the valley—the realm of suffering, endurance, and self-sacrifice—that we truly uncover the profound meanings of life. I believe the aftermath of the Twentieth Century War represents a triumph over the delusions of world domination that the Germans perceived from their military peak in 1914. The collective strength of the Allies, fueled by visions of justice, righteousness...

In this volume we bring together men of the cloth, those people of faith who spent most of their lives in devotional duties in the service of one so they could, in their spare time, serve another.

Henry van Dyke shares a wonderful morality tale in his 1895 The Other Wise Man, as a metaphor for the life of a true Christian. Telling the story of a fourth king who saw the signs but never reached the Christ child in time, van Dyke introduces us to the values of good deeds and charity while searching for the path to Jesus. Because as Jesus keeps eluding the fourth king, he unknowingly gets closer to him with every righteous act he performs.

For listeners who are tired of Christmas commercialism, or who feel that Santa Claus and reindeer don’t tell the whole story, these classic gems provide a winning alternative. Selected for their insightfulness, spiritual value, and literary quality (nothing moralistic here) they project the spirit of the season in a fresh, compelling manner that will resonate with listeners of all ages - from children too young to read to themselves, to parents and grandparents who enjoy listening to stories, as well.

With timeless classics from some of the most notable names in literature, this Christmas story bundle is the perfect listen for the most wonderful time of the year.

This a handpicked collection of some of the greatest Christian stories ever written. When we speak of these works as Christian stories, we mean that each story has a powerful Christian message based on Jesus' teachings. Three of the stories are from Jesus himself. Others were written by devout believers like Henry Van Dyke and Johanna Spyri. Yet, one of the authors, Mark Twain, was not a Christian himself, but his story reveals profound insights into the teachings of Christ.

You know the tale of the Three Wise Men who journeyed from the East to present their gifts at the manger in Bethlehem. But have you ever heard of the Other Wise Man? This fourth seeker also followed the rising star, yet he never reached the young child Jesus as his companions did. Discover the profound longing of this pilgrim and the trials he faced on his quest—a journey filled with unexpected turns and spiritual revelations. Join me as I recount the fragments of his story, heard in the Hall of Dreams, nestled within the Heart of Man.

This powerful collection features three thought-provoking sermons by Henry van Dyke, exploring the profound theme of peace in the wake of World War I. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of achieving true peace, these timeless reflections remain deeply relevant today. - Summary by Carolin

Dive into this enchanting folk tale that reveals the origins of the first Christmas tree. Follow the courageous hero, Winfried, and his young companion as they boldly confront the pagan rituals of winters arrival. As Winfried shares the gospel of Christ and the miracle of His birth, a wondrous event unfolds from the heavens, bringing hope and salvation to the people. In celebration of this miracle, the tradition of bringing the Christmas tree into their homes is born. (Summary by Penny Ann)

Dive into a delightful collection of short Christmas tales crafted by the author of The Story of the Fourth Wise Man. This enchanting anthology, narrated by D. Leeson, captures the magic and spirit of the holiday season through heartfelt stories that celebrate joy, hope, and the true meaning of Christmas.

The language of Poetry is an art that most of us attempt at some point in our lives. Although its commonplace exposure has been somewhat marginalised in today’s often fast-paced lives we all recognise good verse that can empathise with our thoughts or open us up to experience new things in new ways

Upon his return home from the battlefields of Europe in 1918, Col Blackwood, a UK Army infantry officer, is reunited with his family on Christmas Eve after nearly four years away. In the midst of telling his children a bedtime story, we learn of Artaban, a Magi priest, and the fourth wise man to present gifts to the newborn King. As a result of dissension among his fellow Magians, Artaban has no other choice but to embark on this journey alone. Though his quest is fraught with challenges along the way that test his courage and stir his compassion, his faith never wavers.

One Blade of Grass is a story that opens our eyes to the miracles of small and simple things. A hunter spies a dove flying low over a field. He takes aim. What happens next will impact countless lives.

You know the story of the three wise men of the east, and how they traveled from far away to offer their gifts at the manger-cradle in Bethlehem. But have you ever heard the story of the Other Wise Man, who also saw the star in its rising, set out to follow it, yet did not arrive with his brethren in the presence of the young child Jesus? I would tell the tale as I have heard fragments of it in the hall of dreams, in the palace of the heart of man.

This is the story of John Weightman, who has carefully and responsibly accumulated material wealth. Indeed, he has built a respectable name and a respectable mansion here on Earth. But what has he built in heaven? Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” In this story, Henry van Dyke invites us to go along with John Weightman to see what the mansions look like in heaven, and who shall inherit them.

Henry van Dyke was a member of the clergy; this story reads like a sermon for good reason. Its full title is "A Short Christmas Sermon: Keeping Christmas". Read by award-winning audiobook narrator Mike Vendetti, this lovely piece reminds us what Christianity is about.

The parable "A Handful of Clay" by Henry Van Dyke tells us much about human potential. Read by award-winning audiobook narrator Mike Vendetti, this is a very good inspirational piece.

"The Mansion" by the author, educator, and clergyman Henry Jackson van Dyke Jr. (1852-1933) tells of the life of John Weightman and his reward in heaven. Weightman is a wealthy man who does good deeds like funding a school, a church, and a hospital wing. However, his giving is calculated to bring him a benefit. In a near-death experience, he goes to heaven and is shown the heavenly mansion which was prepared for him. It was nothing more than a little shack!

This wonderful story about the true spirit of giving. This classic Christmas story is about forgetting oneself, and focusing on the needs of others. John Weightman is living a misdirected life, he has done much good in the world, but it has all been calculated to be of benefit to himself and his businesses. Fortunately he receives a wake-up call through a beautiful Christmas Eve experience, and receives a privileged preview of his heavenly mansion.

Acclaimed writer Henry Van Dyke presents a staller collection of poems that also served as hymns in churches in the early 1900s. One is still sung today. Encouragement found in each stanza.