Kings, Essential Oils, and Christmas

During the Christmas season, it’s hard to avoid the story of the wise men visiting baby Jesus. Maybe your children are in a nativity play or you have figurines sitting on your mantle, proclaiming the newborn King. The classic gold, frankincense, and myrrh add a fragrant note to the tale of the Messiah from long ago. But they do so much more than that. These offerings to Christ connect to the essence of Christmas.

Frankincense and myrrh were very valuable in the ancient world. They are aromatic and medicinal. Frankincense is extracted from Boswellia trees and has an earthy and sweet aroma. Meanwhile, myrrh comes from Commiphora trees and has a balsamic and slightly smoky scent. Used for their healing properties and wonderful fragrance, frankincense and myrrh were once considered treasures.

However, when brought into the story of Christ, we get to see how they symbolize our long-awaited King. Frankincense was used in religious rituals, because of its amazing fragrance when burned. Through the fires of His suffering and death, Christ was a pleasing sacrifice to God. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 says the same of believers, “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life” (ESV).

Myrrh was used as an ingredient in anointing oils used for consecration. However, it was also used for embalming. Scripture speaks of Nicodemus caring for the body of Jesus after His death. John 19:39 reads, “He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds” (NIV). This valuable gift at His birth represented the holy mission of His coming–to pay the ultimate price for mankind through death. 

The wise men also brought gold–a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Surely the life of this Child would bless all humanity. And it still blesses you and I today.

Our world is increasingly busy, with fast trends and quick fashion. These aromas are an echo of the past. Myrhh and frankincense can not only be used for natural remedies and holistic care, but as a reminder of the holy night that our Christ was born. Similarly, when you see gold this season, remember the true reason for Christmas–to honor our King Jesus.

As you celebrate Christmas, remember the pleasing sacrifice of Christ, His body broken, and His ultimate rule over all. Remember the Magi, and the timeless gifts given to welcome Jesus the Christ.

We hope you have a blessed Christmas!