Myrrh, “Wait…what?”
Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving. We are in the season of hunting for those perfect gifts. We roam the mall, the local Walmart, Target or order and excitedly await the Amazon truck.
Gifts.
We often read the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular parts: Singing angels. “Fear Not” statements. The Star of Bethlehem, and yes, the divine precious baby in the dingy manger. YET, there are some quiet and less compelling items to be had in the excitement.
Consider if you will, the Magi (Matthew chapter 2) as they prepare for their trek to find the child to whom the shiny Star belongs. Tradition, not scripture, says there were three wise men, only because the three gifts that were given. They are packing, (imagine with me) dividing the supplies list. Then they come to the gift inventory; gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another. “Oh yeah” the myrrh is last. How would you like to be handed the myrrh and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer to the King of Kings, M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone). You may think “Why do I have to carry the white elephant gift?” White elephant it is not. It is one among the triune gifts that are of great value.
Have we thought about these gifts? Gold, we have that one down. Next, frankincense is ground dried up tree sap used as incense, highly fragrant when burned. And myrrh, what is THAT?
The divine significance of myrrh: It also comes from the sap of a tree, yet it is not just some sticky goo creatively used. It was:
1) In the divinely prescribed anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests (Exodus 30:22-23).
2) In the perfumed oil poured over Jesus’ feet (John 12:3, Matthew 26:6-13: The ointment is “Myron” which is myrrh-oil).
3) Also, as one of the spices wrapped around His body following His death (John 19:39-40).
Picture now, the Christ child, perhaps two in age or younger. Jesus with dark curly hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, the Magi place gold, frankincense, and MYRRH. The same anointing oil used to anoint temple priests, now set before Jesus—our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). The same perfumed myrrh now before small feet—perfume that would one day be poured over a grown man’s feet, those feet that would hang on a cross and be pierced.
Jesus was also offered wine mixed with myrrh while on the cross, but He did not take it (Mark 15:23). Scholars believe Jesus refused to drink the mixture, due to its numbing effect. He wanted to be fully aware—fully present in the suffering for mankind. Myrrh (spices) wrapped around Jesus’ body. Wrapped. Just. Before. His. Resurrection!
Wonderful gift giving. Gold, frankincense and yes, myrrh. We celebrate Jesus, a child, Who one day, would be the man fulfilling this gift. Myrrh—HOW PROPHETIC.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Note: For those of you who work Crossword Puzzles: 5 letters down: “Anointing oil of the Tabernacle, the priests and Jesus?” The answer: “Myrrh” (YAY! You’re welcome).
Myrrh, White Elephant it is Not
Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving. We are in the season of hunting for those perfect gifts. Regardless of what makes it home with us from the mall, masked and ready to buy or what arrives from Amazon. All of us have gifts to offer. God-given gifts that He asks that we share with one another. Whether it is the gift of serving or the gift of encouragement, or the gift of a listening ear. Or perhaps hospitality, providing an extra place at the dinner table. No gift is too small, or seemingly insignificant.
Gifts.
We often read the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular parts: Singing angels. “Fear Not” statements. The Star of Bethlehem, and yes, the dingy manger. YET, there are some quiet and less compelling items to be had in the excitement. Gifts. Consider if you will, (imagine with me) the Magi (Matt 2) as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the shiny Star belongs. (Tradition, not scripture, says there were three wise men, only because the three gifts that were given). They are packing, dividing the supplies list. Then they come to the gift inventory; gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another. “Oh yeah” the myrrh is last. How would you like to be handed the myrrh and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer to the King of Kings, M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone). You may think “Why do I have to carry the white elephant gift?” White elephant it is not. It is one among the triune gifts that are of great value.
Have we thought about these gifts? Gold, we have that one down. Frankincense is ground dried up tree sap used as incense, highly fragrant when burned. And myrrh, what is THAT?
The divine significance of myrrh: It also comes from the sap of a tree, yet it is not just some sticky goo creatively used. It was:
- In the divinely prescribed anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests (Exodus 30:22-23).
- In the perfumed oil poured over Jesus’ feet (John 12:3, Matthew 26:12: The ointment is “Myron” which is myrrh-oil).
- Also, as one of the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:39-40).
Picture now, the Christ child, perhaps two in age or younger. Jesus with curly dark hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, the Magi place gold, frankincense, and MYRRH. The same anointing oil used to anoint temple priests, now set before Jesus – our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). The same perfumed myrrh now before small feet – would one day be oil poured over a grown mans feet, those feet that would one day hang on a cross and be pierced. Jesus was also offered wine mixed with myrrh, but He didn’t take it. (Mk 15:23; Matt 27:34) Scholars believe Jesus refused to drink the mixture, due to its numbing effect. He wanted to be fully aware, fully present in the suffering for mankind. Myrrh was the oil added to the spices wrapped around His body following His death.
Jesus, now a child, will one day, be the man fulfilling this gift. Myrrh, HOW PROPHETIC.
Christmas gift-giving, following the Magi’s example: Regardless of how insignificant it may seem at a quick glance among the noisier aspect of things – we never know the impact and how far-reaching our giving may be. Today it’s not so much the item, but the heart of giving. The giving of self is a gift. An encouraged heart, a feed soul, a person no longer lonely. Gifts given in Jesus’ name – the gift that keeps on giving.
Note: For those of you who work Crossword Puzzles: 5 letters down: “Anointing oil of the Tabernacle, the priests and Jesus?” The answer: “Myrrh” (YAY! You’re welcome).
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Gifted Myrrh – NOT the White Elephant
Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift-giving. We are in the season of gift-hunting, we may not have anything in mind, but there is hope of something jumping off the shelf and literally wrap itself with a glorious bow and going headlong in our cart. (Ok, perhaps that’s MY form of hopeful shopping).
We often read the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular parts: Singing angels, “Fear Not” statements, the Star of Bethlehem, and yes, the dingy manger. YET, there are some quiet and seem less significant items to be had in the excitement. Gifts. Consider if you will, (imagine with me) the Magi as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the shiny Star belongs. They are packing, dividing the supplies list, then they come to the gift inventory; gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another, oh yeah, the myrrh is last. How would you like to be handed the myrrh and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer to the King of Kings, M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone). You may think “Dude, why do I have to carry the white elephant gift?” White elephant it is not. It is one among the triune gifts that are of great value. Have we thought about these? Gold, we have that one down. Frankincense is ground dried up tree sap used as incense. And myrrh, what is THAT?
The divine significance of myrrh: It too comes from the sap of a tree and used in the divinely prescribed anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests (Exodus 30:22-23). It was the perfumed oil poured over Jesus’ feet (John 12:3, Matthew 26:12: The ointment or costly perfume is ‘myron’ which is myrrh-oil). It was used also as one of the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:39-40).
Picture now, the Christ child, perhaps two in age or younger (took the Magi some time to get there – no GPS), Jesus and curly dark hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, the Magi place gold, frankincense, and MYRRH. The same anointing oil used to anoint temple priests, Jesus our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). The same perfumed oil poured on His feet as a grown man, those feet that would one day hang on a cross and be pierced. The oil added to the spices wrapped around His body following His death. He now a child, will one day be the man fulfilling this gift.
Myrrh, HOW PROPHETIC.
Christmas gift-giving, following the Magi’s example: Regardless of how insignificant it may seem, we never know the impact and how far-reaching our giving may be. Today it’s not so much the item, but the heart of giving, the giving of self is a gift – an encouraged heart, a feed soul, a learned principle, a person no longer lonely – gifts given in Jesus name – the gift that keeps on giving.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Photo credit Jan Pashley http://www.janpashley.co.uk/ (Love her work)
Gifted Myrrh – Prophetic Indeed
Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving. We are in the season of gift hunting, we may not have anything in mind, but there is hope of something jumping off the shelf and literally wrap itself with a glorious bow attached. Regardless of what makes it home with us from the mall, all of us have gifts to offer, God-given gifts that He asks that we share with one another. Whether it is the gift of serving, or of encouragement, or hospitality, providing an extra place at the dinner table.
We often read the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular parts: Singing angels, “Fear Not” statements, the Star of Bethlehem, and yes the dingy manger. YET, there are some quiet and seem less significant items to be had in the excitement. Gifts. Consider if you will, (imagine with me) the Magi as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the shiny Star belongs. They are packing, dividing the supplies list, then they come to the gift inventory, gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another, oh yeah, the myrrh is last. How would you like to be handed the myrrh, and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone) to the King of Kings! You may think “Dude, why do I have to carry the white elephant gift?” White elephant it is not – one among the triune gifts that are of great value. Have we thought about these? Gold, we have that one down. Frankincense is ground dried up tree sap used as incense. And myrrh, what is THAT?
The divine significance of myrrh: It too comes from the sap of a tree and used in the anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests (Exodus 30:22-23). Myrrh/Myron: Perfumed oil poured over Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36-50). It was used as one of the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:39-40).
Picture now, the Christ child, perhaps two in age or younger (took the Magi some time to get there), curly dark hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, the Magi place gold, frankincense, and MYRRH. The same anointing oil 
used to anoint temple priests, Jesus our High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16). The same perfumed oil poured on His feet as a grown man, those feet that would one day hang on a cross and be pierced. The oil added to the spices wrapped around His body following His death. He now a child will one day be the man fulfilling this gift.
Myrrh, HOW PROPHETIC.
Christmas gift giving! Follow the Magi’s example – be prophetic. Regardless of how insignificant, we never know the impact and how far-reaching our giving may be (in Jesus name). An encouraged heart, a feed soul, a lived principle, a person no longer lonely – the gift that keeps on giving.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Myrrh, Not a White Elephant Gift
Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving. We are in the season of gift hunting, in search of that PERFECT gift, we may not have anything in mind, but waiting for something to jump off the shelf and literally wrap itself because it is SOOOO perfect.
Regardless of what makes it home with us from the mall, all of us have gifts to offer. God-given gifts that He asks that we share with one another. Whether it is the gift of serving, or the gift of encouragement, or perhaps the gift of a 
listening ear. Or hospitality, providing an extra place at the dinner table. My gift is being a student of the Word. I dig around in the geeky stuff, summarize and share it with others. No gift is too small, or insignificant.
Often we read the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular parts: Singing angels, “Fear Not” statements, the Star of Bethlehem, and yes the dingy manger. YET, there are some quiet and seem less significant items to be had in the excitement. Consider if you will, (imagine with me) the Magi as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the shiny Star belongs. They are packing, dividing up the supplies list, then they come to the gift inventory, gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another, oh yeah, the myrrh is last. How would you like to be handed the myrrh, and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone) to the King of Kings! You may think “Dude, why do I have to carry the white elephant gift???” White elephant it is not, one among the triune gifts that are of great value. Gold, frankincense, and MYRRH. Have we ever really thought WHAT is myrrh?
The divine significance of myrrh: An ingredient used in the anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests. (Exodus 30:22-23) Myrrh/Myron: Perfumed oil/ointment poured over Jesus’ feet. (Luke 7:36-50, John 12:3) It was used as one of the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. (John 19:39-40)
Picture now, the Christ child, perhaps two in age or younger, curly dark hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, men of wisdom and honor, place gold, frankincense, and MYRRH. The anointing oil of the TABERNACLE and THE Priest. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) The same perfumed oil poured on His feet as a grown man, those feet that would one day hang on a cross and be pierced. The oil added to the spices wrapped around His body following His death.
Myrrh, HOW PROPHETIC. A new appreciation for the gift?
May we too bow low, offer even what we may think insignificant. Gifts given to Jesus and in His name have great value, regardless of how silly we may see it, or how small they may appear. An encouraged heart, a feed soul, a person no longer lonely.
Christmas gift giving! Follow the Magi’s example – be prophetic. The gift that keeps on giving.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
The Gift of WHAT?
Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving. Ever go in search of that PERFECT gift, not really having anything in mind, but waiting for it to jump off the shelf and literally wrap itself … because it is SOOOO perfect.
Regardless of what makes it home with us from the mall, ALL of us have gifts to offer. God given gifts that He asks that we share with one another. Whether that is the gift of servant hood, your heart overflows with helping others. Or the gift of encouragement, how many of us LOVE being on the receiving end of that gift! Perhaps the gift of a listening ear, or organizing stuff or providing an extra place at the dinner table. My gift is being a student of the Word. I dig, dust off, polish it up a bit and share it with others. What is your gift? No gift is too small or insignificant.
Often we read through the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular 
parts; Singing angels, “Fear Not” statements, the Star of Bethlehem, the shepherds and yes the dingy manger. YET, there are some quiet and seem less significant items to be had in the excitement.
Consider if you will, the Magi as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the Bethlehem Star belongs. DeDe’s imaginative possible scenario of events: They are packing, dividing up the supplies list, then they come to the gift inventory, gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another, ‘O yeah, the myrrh is last’. How would YOU like to be handed the myrrh and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone) to the King of Kings! You may think “Dude, why do I have to carry the white elephant gift???” White elephant it is not, one among the triune gifts that are of great value.
Have we ever really thought WHAT is myrrh?
The divine significance of myrrh: Exodus 30:22-23 Myrrh, an ingredient used in the anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests. Luke 7:36-50 Myrrh, (myron) perfumed oil/ointment poured over Jesus’ feet. John 19:39-40 Myrrh, used as one of the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
Picture now, the Christ child, perhaps two in age or younger, curly dark hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, these distinguished foreigners now place gold, frankincense and MYRRH, the anointing oil of THE Tabernacle and THE Priest. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) The same perfumed oil poured on His feet as a grown man, those feet that would one day hang on a cross and be pierced. The oil added to the spices wrapped around His body following His death. Myrrh, how prophetic. Do we have a new appreciation for the gift?
May we too bow low, offer what we may think insignificant. Gifts given to Jesus and in Jesus name have GREAT value, regardless of how silly we may see it, or how small they may appear. An encouraged heart, a fed soul, a person no longer lonely.
What has been placed in our hands? Do we extend it out to others? Christmas gift giving!
Follow the Magi’s example: Be prophetic. The gift that keeps on giving.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
WHAT is Myrrh!
Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving. Ever go in search of that PERFECT gift, not really having anything in mind, but waiting for it to jump off the shelves and literally wrap itself because it is SOOOO perfect. Probably isnt going to happen, but there is fun in the hunt.
Regardless of what makes it home with us from the mall, ALL of us have ‘gifts’ to offer. God given gifts that He asks that we share with one another. Whether that be the gift of ‘serving,’ your heart overflows with servant hood. Perhaps, the gift of a listening ear, or providing an extra place at the dinner table. My gift is being a student of the Word. I dig, take my findings, add a slight dash of DeDe and share it with others. What is your gift? No gift is too small, or insignificant.
Often we read through the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular parts, singing angels, “Fear Not” statements, the Star of Bethlehem, and yes the ‘unbecoming of a KING’ manger. YET, there are some quiet and seem less significant items to be had in the excitement. Consider if you will, the Magi, the Wise Men as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the Bethlehem Star belongs. Did you know, there is no mention of ‘three’ of them, it is assumed by the list of gifts and ‘Magi’ is plural for wise-man, meaning two or more, where they usually travled in large caravans.
DeDe’s imaginative possible scenario of events: They are packing, dividing up the supplies list, then they come to the gift inventory, gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another, ‘O yeah, the myrrh is last’. How would YOU like to be handed the myrrh, and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone) to the King of Kings! You may think “Dude, why do I have to carry the white elephant gift???” White elephant it is not, one among the triune gifts that are of great value. AH… the gifts, gold, frankincense and MYRRH. Have we ever really thought WHAT is myrrh?
The divine significance of myrrh: Exodus 30:22-23 Myrrh ~ an ingredient used in the anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests. Luke 7:36-50 Myrrh ~ (myron) used in the perfumed oil poured over Jesus’ feet. John 19:39-40 Myrrh ~ one of the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
Picture now, the Christ child, at His feet, men of wisdom, honor, and royal position now place gold, frankincense and MYRRH. The anointing oil of the TABERNACLE and THE Priest. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) The same perfumed oil poured on His feet as a grown man, those feet that would one day hang on a cross and be pierced. The oil added to the spices wrapped around His body following His death.
Myrrh, HOW PROPHETIC. A new appreciation for the gift?
May we too bow low, offering what we may think insignificant. Gifts given 
to Jesus and in given Jesus name have GREAT value, regardless of how silly we may see it, or how small they may appear. An encouraged heart, a feed soul, a person no longer lonely, a new understanding of God stuff.
Christmas gift giving! Follow the Magi’s example ~ Be prophetic. The gift that keeps on giving.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Inspired Fountain 