Reflections from the Pew 62

We welcome Little White Candle to Aberdour. Fragrances play an important part in the bible, here are three stories. 

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh were brought by the Maji as gifts at the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:1-12). They were all very valuable presents, gifts fit for a king. Gold was a present for a king, Frankincense was used in worship and Myrrh to anoint and prepare bodies for burial. What would you have brought?

The most well-known story of fragrances in the bible (John 12:1-7) is of Mary who brought a pound of very costly ointment, pure nard, and with it anointed the feet of Jesus, wiping them with her hair. Judas objects in the name of the poor, and Jesus defended her saying “Leave her alone; she had to keep this scent for the day of my burial.” I’m sure I would have said the same as Judas.

The third story (Mark 16:1-6) is when the women go early in the morning to the tomb of Jesus with spices to anoint to body. When they arrived they find the tomb is empty and are told that “he is risen”. It was not what they expected.