All Things Relating to Christmas

What's the difference between frankincense and myrrh?

Frankincense and myrrh are both aromatic tree resins from different tree genera (Boswellia for frankincense, Commiphora for myrrh), differing in their scent (frankincense is citrusy/piney, myrrh is earthy/bitter/spicy), appearance (frankincense is pale yellow, myrrh is reddish-brown), and typical uses (frankincense for uplifting/spiritual, myrrh for grounding/medicinal), though both are used in incense, perfume, and traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, often combined for synergistic benefits.
 
debodun said:
What's the difference between frankincense and myrrh?

Frankincense and myrrh are both aromatic tree resins from different tree genera (Boswellia for frankincense, Commiphora for myrrh), differing in their scent (frankincense is citrusy/piney, myrrh is earthy/bitter/spicy), appearance (frankincense is pale yellow, myrrh is reddish-brown), and typical uses (frankincense for uplifting/spiritual, myrrh for grounding/medicinal), though both are used in incense, perfume, and traditional medicine for anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, often combined for synergistic benefits.
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing. I have frankincense and myrrh incense. I like the myrrh best.
 
b71fdb582d5526adb6549632a7825bf9.jpg
 
Here are some popular traditional beliefs compared to what the Bible/history says:

Belief: Jesus was born on December 25th.
Reality: The Bible doesn't state the date; it was chosen later much later, possibly to coincide with pagan festivals or based on Mary's conception date. Shepherds tending flocks in fields occurs in spring/early summer, not winter.

Belief: There were three Wise Men (Magi).
Reality: The Bible doesn't specify a number; the "three" comes from the three gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh). They weren't kings. more likely astrologers, and probably arrived much later, not the night of the birth.

Belief: Jesus was born in a stable/barn because the inn was full.
Reality: The "inn" was likely a family home and they couldn't get the guest room, so Mary gave birth in the main family room where animals might also be kept. The manger was a food trough for animals.

Belief: Mary and Joseph arrived the night Jesus was born.
Reality: Luke's Gospel implies they were in Bethlehem for the census, and the birth happened sometime later, not necessarily immediately upon arrival.

Belief: Jesus was an only child.
Reality: The Bible mentions Jesus having brothers and sisters, pointing out that he wasn't an only child. Historians suggest that Mary had other children after Jesus, or they were Joseph's from a previous marriage.
 
Last edited:
debodun said:
Here are some popular traditional beliefs compared to what the Bible/history says:

Belief: Jesus was born on December 25th.
Reality: The Bible doesn't state the date; it was chosen later much later, possibly to coincide with pagan festivals or based on Mary's conception date. Shepherds tending flocks in fields occurs in spring/early summer, not winter.

Belief: There were three Wise Men (Magi).
Reality: The Bible doesn't specify a number; the "three" comes from the three gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh). They weren't kings. more likely astrologers, and probably arrived much later, not the night of the birth.

Belief: Jesus was born in a stable/barn because the inn was full.
Reality: The "inn" was likely a family home and they couldn't get the guest room, so Mary gave birth in the main family room where animals might also be kept. The manger was a food trough for animals.

Belief: Mary and Joseph arrived the night Jesus was born.
Reality: Luke's Gospel implies they were in Bethlehem for the census, and the birth happened sometime later, not necessarily immediately upon arrival.

Belief: Jesus was an only child.
Reality: The Bible mentions Jesus having brothers and sisters, pointing out that he wasn't an only child. Historians suggest that Mary had other children after Jesus, or they were Joseph's from a previous marriage.
Click to expand...
Oh! I bet you are going to tell me that Santa is really our parents, that's my Christmas done for!
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top