As we are in the deep now into the Christmas season, and the Third Sunday of Advent has now passed, the most popular Biblical passages frequently come to mind:
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with great delight. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
The Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2:10-11
It seems only fitting to want to explore these substances of nature further. I have been guilty of just assuming they’re vital components of the visit, but what do they really signify?
Gold seems the most obvious, yes!
Frankincense was rubbed onto the newborn sons of kings. In every life, Frankincense was the oil one reached for to help with common complaints.
Myrrh was a gift for both Mary and Baby. Myrrh is wonderful on the skin of the abdomen and legs of post-partum women. It promotes emotional peace and security so would be wonderful for a newborn to smell on his mother.
Myrrh is the most mentioned essential oil in the Bible. It is also the first: in Genesis 37:25 when Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery in exchange for “balm and myrrh.” It is also the last oil referenced in the Bible in Revelation 18:13.
Frankincense and Myrrh trees are common throughout the landscape of Biblical times (and of today). The essential oils of these trees were obtained by steam distilling the resin (hardened sap). High temperature steam separates the oils from the water. The liquids were next sent to cool by passing through a condensation vat. This would allow the oils to float to the top where they would be skimmed off.
The Gifts of the Magi also work well together to support the immune system. Since gold is not an essential oil, I have chosen to add Lemon since it also gives a wonderful boost to the immune system. I feel the citrus scent lightens up the resinous oils of Frankincense and Myrrh. I have seen Spikenard also used in place of gold for a trio set of essential oils representing the Wisemen’s generosity.
I also added Elemi to this roller, because it’s wonderfully supportive of the respiratory system, but this is optional. Elemi is known as “poor man’s Frankincense” because it has several similar properties. It is a native plant to the Philippines, but its name is Arabic meaning “as above, so below.” The ancient Egyptians used this oil as part of their embalming process.
There are also 3 other essential oil rollers that I created for this little collection: ”A Silent Night,” “Frosty Air,” and “A Thrill of Hope.” Making essential oil rollers is a super-easy way to use your oils!
For a 10ml roller bottle, you will need a total of around 40 drops of essential oil. First, add the essential oils to the roller bottle. Then top with the carrier oil. My favorite carrier oil is fractionated coconut. Press the roller ball top in place.
Roller Bottle Recipes
- A Silent Night: Peace and Calming (Young Living blend) and Lavender
- Frosty Air (Respiratory Support): Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Myrtle, Rosemary
- A Thrill of Hope: Hope (Young Living blend) and Lemon Myrtle
- The Gifts of the Magi: Frankincense, Elemi, Myrrh, and Lemon
Here is a copy of the labels I created so you can download to print on your own!
The Pink Lily Pad and Two Tadpoles 