According to the biblical book of Matthew, the Three Wise Men "opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh," (2:11). As it goes, they followed the star they saw in the East to reach the baby Jesus and worship him. After worshipping and presenting their three gifts that night, they gave the baby a far more precious gift. Instead of returning to King Herod with the baby's location as the king had ordered, they saved Jesus' life by keeping his location a secret. Wise men indeed.
       As we continue the tradition of giving gifts during this time of year, let's remember the example of The Wise Men. The material gifts that they shared with Jesus certainly had symbolic meanings to be discussed, but the true value of the story is their willingness to be obedient to God. From following the bright star in the night's sky to accepting the dream that occurred to them about King Herod, those three men remained in tune with God. If King Herod was willing to kill innocent babies in hopes of possibly killing the one that was Jesus, what do you think he would have done to the Three Wise Men who disobeyed his order? Still, they cared less about their own safety than they did the safety of baby Jesus. They put themselves in harm's way for someone else. What a truly selfless gift. 
GOLD
This gift to Jesus was considered a very precious metal, even during those days. It has been a form of currency for centuries. Hopefully Mary and Joseph were able to use the gold to finance their lives while they were on the run with their new baby. The Bible does not give us many details regarding this topic, but we do know that a currency like gold would have come in handy for them in Egypt. 
MYRRH
Myrrh is a sap-like substance that comes from the bark of trees. According to Jennie Cohen of The History Channel, it is "extremely fragrant, particularly when burned." It is mentioned in the Bible's Old Testament long before the story of Jesus' birth. Typically myrrh is described biblically as an valuable spice, cosmetic ingredient for women, or precious balm.
FRANKINCENSE
Frankincense is similar to myrrh, in that it also is a sap-like substance that comes from trees primarily grown in Africa. It has been traded throughout the Middle East and North Africa for thousands of years. According to Live Science, Frankincense "made southern Arabia the richest place on Earth" for a period around 400 B. C. In aromatherapy, frankincense is used for these benefits just to name a few:
***to treat anxiety and boost confidence
***to minimize colds and coughs
***to diminish signs of aging
***to eliminate airborne bacteria
***to improve concentration and memory
The first time I smelled pure frankincense, I wondered how I had missed out on this beautiful oil for so many years! It smells so very clean, sweet, slightly fruity, with the appeal of a summer morning. For me, it is right up there with my favorite oils like jasmine, geranium, and lavender. 
​The leading oil in the following beautiful candle is frankincense. You should add it to your candle mix this holiday season and let me know what you think!

My journey with natural healthcare or home remedies began years ago. I grew up in a small town outside of Atlanta. My mother, like so many others, was a nurturing single parent who worked hard to raise my sister and me. She taught us to be active, get fresh air, and take care of ourselves. She was my first basketball coach in youth league and is still very fit herself. As kids, we went outside to play every day absorbing all of the sunshine and adventure we could hold: kickball games, backflips on the clothesline, splashes through the creek, hop scotch, and dodgeball competitions. It seems like such a distant time now considering the takeover of computer screens and cell phones. 
          With all of that action, there were many bumps and scrapes. One rule stood: don't go home crying. Any time someone had to go home crying, it meant that the fun would be over for everyone. Unless it was truly serious, we all just "put some dirt on it" and kept going. As kids we somehow understood that being outside together was the best place to be. The laughter, the experiences, the games, and sometimes even the teasing brought the neighborhood kids together on one accord. Most of us still share those same friendships today. 
           In the event of one of those childhood scrapes, pills were never the first option. Maybe a cup of water, maybe a nap, maybe even a snack, but rarely was something like Tylenol the answer. My mother showed us that a little time would heal most wounds. She was right. By the grace of God, here I am 44 years later without ever having experienced a broken bone or serious injury. Love and self care can heal many things and prevent many others. 
             By the time my sister introduced me to essential oils 16 years ago, I was ready. I had already started to break away from some of the unhealthier foods I was accustomed to eating. I had never embraced pharmaceuticals as a first option when faced with any ailment. I was exploring the benefits of acupuncture and yoga and healthy cooking. All I had to hear was that they were natural oils derived from plants without any toxins, and I was sold. I am not an aromatherapist, but I am a firm believer in aromatherapy as a way to assist with overall well being in modern times. Thanks for reading.