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Story of the Gifts of the Magi |
 Why were those
first three gifts so special?
The Gift Of Frankincense To Jesus
Frankincense is an herb coming from the spindly Boswellia tree of Somalia and Yemen, formerly S. Arabia. At the specified time wood is cut and the frankincense oozes as a yellow drop, a sap like maple syrup which is left to harden for three months. This are then pulled off the wood. The resulting resin gives off a sweet scent when warmed or burned.
Frankincense was highly values in the ancient world, touted for it's medicinal and soothing properties. Herbalists say it is calming, restorative, gently clarifying, and meditative. Frankincense oil is thought to have stimulating, toning, and warming properties. It was used in perfume and today some Middle Eastern women use charred frankincense in kohl, a black eyeliner worn the eyes.
We recognize the word "incense" in its name and we understand that ancient people burned frankincense, believing it to carry their prayers to heaven. The people of Israel saw it as one of the elements used in the holy anointing oil (Ex 30:34), and as part of the cereal offering (Lev 6:15). It's presentation to Jesus illustrates His role as our Priest (Exodus 30:34), as the one who could go between us and the Father. He is our Priest forever, living to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:24-25).
But frankincense as the substance offered to God speaks of His deity.
The second of the wise men sings of incense as owning, or acknowledging, God as true.
Frankincense to offer have I,
Incense owns a Deity nigh.
Prayer and praising all men raising
worship Him God most High.
About the author.
Bruce Thomas is the president of First Christmas Project which markets the First Christmas Present, a small wooden treasure chest with gold, frankincense and myrrh and a pamphlet which explains the gospel using the three original Christmas gifts as an object lesson. It is designed to be given by Christians to their friends and family.
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