Melchior smiled. He had made his decision. Of all the rich gifts in the world, he had chosen the one he himself would take on their long journey. A journey to meet a king.
Caspar had chosen gold—to pay tribute to the King of Kings. Balthazar had chosen Myrrh—to honor the Man who must someday die for Mankind. But Melchior had pondered long over his choice, ever since he and his brother Magi had agreed that they would make this journey together.
They had studied the sacred texts all their lives, as had their fathers before them, for hundreds of years—ever since the wise counselor and prophet Daniel had taught their ancestors in Babylon of the God of Israel.
They knew the time was right. And the appearance of the Star confirmed their knowledge. Now it was time to seek the Child, and to offer, unworthy as they might be, gifts to honor Him.
Caspar’s choice of Gold honored the child who would be King of the world. Balthazar’s choice of Myrrh honored the child who would die to save the world. And Melchior’s choice of gifts? His would honor the child who was, in very truth, the God who made the world.
His gift would be Frankincense, the smoke of which would ascend to Heaven as worship to God Himself. Nothing less would do.
Because of its part in the history of the Christ child, Frankincense continues to be important each year as the Christmas story is retold; and to modern-day Christmas celebrations.
There is even a Christmas ornament you can buy that includes all three of the Wise Men’s gifts—Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh—in a tiny, antique-style glass bottle that you can hang on your Christmas tree.
The Essential Oil derived from Frankincense has been called “the king of oils.” It is prized and precious, and a favorite Essential Oil during the Christmas season.
And it is a beautiful and fragrant reminder of the hope of this Christmas season, for it tells us, year after year, that the prayers and praise we offer up during Christmas are offered to the very God who made the world—and whose grace and power can and will heal the world.
Frankincense has a wide array of practical uses, and can be applied topically, aromatically, and even internally.
You’ve probably used Frankincense in your diffuser, or to help with skin issues. But here’s a Tip: Frankincense pairs well with chocolate, so add one to two drops of Frankincense Essential Oil to your favorite chocolate cookie recipe to give it a wonderful flavor, perfect for the holidays.
You can also make a delicious Frankincense chocolate glaze using this quick and easy recipe:
FESTIVE FRANKINCENSE CHOCOLATE GLAZE RECIPE
• 6 oz. chocolate chips
• 6 tbsp. butter, chopped into small pieces
• 1 to 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and set the timer for two minutes. Stop the microwave every 20 seconds and stir the chocolate with a rubber spatula. When the chocolate is almost completely melted (still a few solid pieces), take it out, even if it hasn’t been the full two minutes. Add the butter and one drop of Frankincense Essential Oil and stir.
Taste, then add one more drop of Frankincense if desired. Once the butter is stirred in and melted, you will have a smooth chocolate glaze. Use immediately on donuts, cookies, eclairs, or cakes.
QUESTION –WHAT GIFT WOULD YOU HAVE CHOSEN IF YOU WERE ONE OF THE MAGI?
Had I known of the amazing rejuvenate power of Frankincense I would have definitely have chosen it!
Helene Edwards
LE/Clinical Aromatherapist
www.youthfulsolutions.com