Why was Jesus given frankincense?
They gave Him gold because they recognized it was a proper gift for a king. They gave him frankincense because that is what a high priest used when he went into the temple to represent the people before God. They gave Him myrrh because they recognized that this King would die for the world. Frankincense, in ancient times, was a very precious and practical gift. It was used to treat sickness and wounds. But it also had a spiritual significance. Priests burned it as a fragrant offering to God, symbolizing prayer as the smoke rose to the heavens.Some scholars consider that these three gifts were chosen for their special spiritual symbolism specific to Jesus himself – gold representing his supreme kingship; frankincense a symbol of his high priestly role; and myrrh a prefiguring of his body’s anointing at death followed by his resurrection into eternal life.Frankincense, also known as olibanum (/oʊˈlɪbənəm/), is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfume, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The word is from Old French franc encens (‘high-quality incense’).The frankincense represents Jesus’ deity. In the Old Testament, frankincense was traditionally burned in the temple as an offering to God (Leviticus 2:2). By bringing this gift, the Magi affirmed Jesus was no ordinary man; he is both fully man and fully God.
Why is frankincense so expensive?
Several plants, such as frankincense and myrrh, are very difficult to grow outside of their native environment; the limited growing ability for these plants makes them more rare and therefore intensive. Spiritual and religious uses of Frankincense and Myrrh Historically, they are considered extensive aids to intensifying concentration, devotion, and prayer, symbolizing spiritual awakening and purification.An alternative tradition holds that Mary and Joseph used the gold to pay for the stable, the frankincense to perfume it and the myrrh as an ointment for the new-born baby.In ancient times where there were limited medical care options, frankincense and myrrh offered significant benefits in the treatment of disease. However, these items were difficult to get and purify and transport to the local apothecary was tenuous, making them, 2,000 years ago, more valuable than gold.
What does frankincense symbolize in the Bible?
Each of the gifts given by the Magi to the Christ child have a symbolic meaning as He is revealed to the world as King, Priest, and Prophet. Gold honors Jesus because it represents that He is Christ the King. Frankincense pleases Jesus as it is used to worship Him, and it reveals that He is Christ the High Priest. They gave Him gold because they recognized it was a proper gift for a king. They gave him frankincense because that is what a high priest used when he went into the temple to represent the people before God. They gave Him myrrh because they recognized that this King would die for the world.In the Bible, Myrrh was commonly used as an anointing oil while Frankincense was commonly used as a perfume. Frankincense which is an incense is a symbol of deity while myrrh as an embalming oil is used as a symbol of death. Both gifts, along with gold were gifts presented to kings at that time.Frankincense and myrrh are ancient resins with significant spiritual symbolisms across various religions, including Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Paganism. Historically, they are considered extensive aids to intensifying concentration, devotion, and prayer, symbolizing spiritual awakening and purification.The three gifts had a spiritual meaning: gold as a symbol of kingship on earth, frankincense (an incense) as a symbol of deity, and myrrh (an embalming oil) as a symbol of death.
Who should not take frankincense?
People with certain health conditions should consult healthcare providers before using frankincense, particularly those with: Bleeding disorders. Autoimmune conditions. Hormone-sensitive conditions. Frankincense oil for skin The study found some evidence that it might protect against aging related to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While more study is needed, researchers concluded that frankincense oil may have promising uses as a topical anti-aging therapy.It is commonly used as a fragrance in soaps, lotions, and perfumes. People use frankincense for aging skin, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. There is also no good evidence to support using frankincense for COVID-19.A medicine cabinet staple, frankincense is an ancient healing ointment that’s been used for centuries to rid the body of unhealthy bacteria. Whether you’re struggling with bacteria-driven acne or need extra protection against a cut or scrape, frankincense has your back.A: Frankincense essential oil gets rid of brown spots on your hands and face. I had a stubborn brown spot on my face that finally went away. It took about 7 months for it to disappear completely after using the oil daily.
Is frankincense still used today?
Thousands of tons of frankincense are traded every year to be used in religious ceremonies as incense in thuribles and by makers of perfumes, natural medicines, and essential oils. In Islam, burning Frankincense is a tradition that signifies purification. It also represents the presence of the divine during prayer and is a symbol of protection against negative energies.In Christianity, it was one of the gifts presented to the infant Jesus by the Three Wise Men, symbolising divinity, purity, and prayer. In Islam, it holds a special place in rituals, often burned as incense during prayer and meditation to cleanse the air and elevate the spiritual atmosphere.