The Gift of the Magi
Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Most young children can even recite the gifts of the Magi. But why were those the gifts chosen for a King, for our Savior?
Gold was a symbol of Jesus' kingship. While some were looking for an earthly king to free them from oppressive rulers, His kingship is something more. In ancient civilizations, gold was often associated with royalty, immortality, and deity. Three attributes that perfectly fit our Savior.
Frankincense symbolizes Jesus' deity. Frankincense was burned in the temple as an offering to God. Historically Frankincense was a highly valued commodity. The Magi knew Jesus was no ordinary man, but the son of God.
Myrrh was brought as a foreshadowing of Jesus' death. It was commonly used to embalm bodies. Nicodemus brought myrrh to Jesus' burial. Myrrh was also used to consecrate priests, the temple, and kings. By bringing Myrrh it was as though the Wise Men were consecrating Jesus for His holy calling.
The Wise Men brought gifts fit for a King. The gifts represented His kingship, His deity, and the gift that His death would be. The combination of these three provides us grace and salvation. The Wise Men brought gifts fit for a King.
As you contemplate the gifts of the Magi, think of what you can give our Savior. The Magi brought Him the best gifts. They brought Him things that were valuable, useful, and precious. Can we give our hearts, our time, and our service? Our gifts can have value and merit even if they are not associated with worldly wealth.
We are blessed to have two of these gifts as essential oils. They have valuable benefits to our emotional and physical health.
Frankincense
Benefits of Frankincense
Frankincense is thought to promote cellular health. It can also be comforting, uplifting, and help maintain healthy skin. It is called the King of Oils, and for good reason. People often say, "When in doubt, get Frank out."
Here is a short video talking about some of my favorite uses for Frankincense.
Uses of Frankincense
Cell - Frankincense can help maintain healthy skin. It can beautify and rejuvenate skin. People will add a drop or two to their moisturizer or apply it with fractionated coconut oil. doTERRA also has a Frankincense Touch that is already dilluted in a roller bottle that is easy to apply to skin. Many people like to apply Frankincense Touch to their face after washing at night.
Brain Support - Frankincense may also offer brain support. You will want to use it internally for this benefit. Just place a drop under your tongue daily.
Immunity - When taken internally Frankincense may also support a healthy immune system, and produce a healthy inflammatory response.
Skin - Frankincense can help maintain healthy skin. It can beautify and rejuvenate skin. People will add a drop or two to their moisturier or apply it with fractionated coconut oil. doTERRA also has a Frankincense Touch that is already diluted in a roller bottle that is easy to apply to skin. Many people like to apply Frankincense Touch to their faces after washing at night.
Facial Mask - Here is a DIY facial mask you can try. It will leave your face feeling nourished and fresh.
Nail Health - Many people find that Frankincense also promotes healthy nails and cuticles. Apply a drop of oil to your nail and rub it around the cuticles and edges of your fingernails.
Dry Winter Skin - Frankincense can be beneficial in combating dryness from the winter air. Again, just add a few drops to your moisturizer to enjoy this benefit.
Razor Relief Skin Serum - Do you get tired of razor bumps and irritations caused by shaving? Try this serum to combat the negative effects of shaving.
Comfort - Because of Frankincense's ability to uplift and comfort, many people love to diffuse it. Here are some diffuser blends you can try with Frankincense.
Postpartum Soothing Spray - Here is a postpartum spray that would make a lovely gift for a new mother.
Negative Feelings - If you are experiencing negative or stressful feelings, Frankincense may be able to help. Apply it to the bottom of your feet and the soothing sensation and aroma can help promote feelings of relaxation and a balanced mood.
Room Spray - You can also make this room spray to enjoy the aromatic benefits of Frankincense. With Frankincense, Grapefruit, and Douglas Fir it is bound to be uplifting and comforting.
Massage - Many oils are wonderful to add to your massage. Frankincense is one of those oils. Just add a drop or two to any tired body parts and gently massage it in.
Bruises - Because Frankincense is rejuvenating to your skin it can be helpful to use on bruises.
Myrrh
Some ancient records show that Myrrh was once considered so valuable that it was valued at its weight in gold. Myrrh has been used for centuries for its internal and external benefits. It has been used as a perfume, incense, health aid, embalming, and religious ceremonies. It has properties that make it very cleansing for the mouth and throat. It also can promote smooth, healthy-looking skin.
Here is a short video talking about some of my favorite uses and benefits of Myrrh.
Uses of Myrrh
Oral Health - Because of Myrrh's cleansing properties for the throat and mouth, it is a great one to add to your dental routine. Simply put one to two drops of Myrrh on your toothbrush with your toothpaste.
Mouth Rinse - Another way to use Myrrh for its oral cleansing properties to is put a drop in two ounces of water and gargle with it.
Upset Stomach - If you are experiencing stomach discomfort, Myrrh may be able to help. Try adding one to two drops to one-fourth cup of water with a little honey. It may help ease the stomach.
Uplifting and Peaceful - Myrrh has aromatic benefits as well. Diffusing it can promote awareness, uplift your mood, maintain peaceful feelings, and promote emotional balance. Try some of these diffuser recipes with Myrrh.
Beautiful Skin - Add one to two drops of Myrrh to your facial or body lotion. It may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help promote smooth, youthful-looking skin.
Bruises - Myrrh is often applied to promote clear, healthy-looking skin and has been recommended to help with bruises. For particularly bad bruises, elevate the bruised body part, apply ice in a wrapped cloth, then lightly massage the area with Myrrh.
Healthy Nails and Cuticles - Myrrh can also help improve your nail and cuticle health. If your cuticles are lacking hydration try this cream. You can also use this cream on your hands, lips, or any other dry skin including dry heels.
Razor Relief - Did you notice that Myrrh was in the Razor Relief Serum mentioned in the Frankincense section? It also can be soothing to irritated skin.
Mud Mask - Did you know doTERRA's Detoxifying Mud Mask has Myrrh in it? This is due to its wonderful skin benefits. This article gives you tips on how to apply the mud mask.
If the mud mask is unavailable you can try this DIY Mud Mask.
