I broke one of the wise men in our nativity set and of course could not replace it. I had to order three new wisemen and they came with gold, frankincense and myrrh. The order also included information about frankincense and myrrh. They both come from tree resins.

Frankincense comes from the Boswellia tree. The trees grow in India, Africa and the Middle east. Frankincense was burned in Jewish temple as an offering to God. It was one of the gifts given to baby Jesus. It acknowledged his holiness and the wisemen’s belief in him. It is said to have a woody fragrance. A small bag was sent with the wisemen and we will put a few pieces in our fireplace when we make our first fire of the season. I’m eager to smell it.

Myrrh comes from the Commiphora tree. It is found in the same area as the Boswellia tree. It is not a large tree and it resin is the reddish looking little pieces the kneeling king is holding. Myrrh was used to anoint religious leaders and kings. It was also used for burial. Some believe it was an indication of what was to happen to Jesus.

Both frankincense and myrrh have been used for thousands of years as medicinal remedies as well as in religious ceremonies. I read a wide variety of ailments that have been treated with them. I know some churches today burn incense and I’d be interested to know if it is frankincense.

The Feast of Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the wisemen 12 days after Jesus’s birth. But their arrival time has been studied and debated for many years. Some believe Jesus was a toddler when the wisemen arrived. The book of Matthew 2:1-11 says the wisemen “came into the house and saw the young child.” King Herod also ordered that infants age two and under be put to death, so that supports the idea of that Jesus was not an infant. It doesn’t matter to me when the wisemen arrived. I’m just thankful that God sent him to us. His birth is Christmas.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas filled with love and thankfulness. Maybe a few of you will receive frankincense and myrrh. It is available on Amazon!