Frankincense & Myrrh: The Story Behind the Magi's Gifts

Of all the botanicals named in Scripture, none are more famous than the two resins carried across the desert by the Magi: "they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11). Gold honored a king. But why frankincense? Why myrrh?

Frankincense: the fragrance of worship

Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) is a resin tapped from hardy trees that grow in the rocky soils of the Middle East and India. In the Temple, it was reserved for sacred use — an ingredient of the holy incense that rose with the prayers of the people (Exodus 30:34). Burning frankincense was, quite literally, the smell of worship. Offered to the infant Jesus, it acknowledged a priest — one who would stand between God and humanity.

Myrrh: the oil of sacrifice

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) is frankincense's somber twin — a resin prized for anointing, perfume, and burial preparation. It scented the holy anointing oil of Exodus 30:23, perfumed the robes of the king in Psalm 45:8, and was brought by Nicodemus to prepare Jesus' body (John 19:39). Given at Bethlehem, myrrh foreshadowed the cross: this child was born to give His life.

Priest, King, Sacrifice

Together the three gifts preach a complete sermon — gold for the King, frankincense for the Priest, myrrh for the Sacrifice. The Magi's treasures were not random luxuries; they were prophecy in physical form.

Why we blend them today

Our Frankincense & Myrrh Anointing Oil — the blend we call Restore — joins both resins in a cold-pressed olive oil base, enriched with the antioxidant polyphenols naturally present in biblical botanicals. It is our most requested oil for worship, intercession, and Advent and Christmas gifting, and one of the most meaningful gifts you can give a pastor, a new believer, or a family consecrating a new home.

When you smell it, you are smelling something ancient — the same resins that filled the Temple courts and the house at Bethlehem. Some gifts never go out of season.

Shop the Frankincense & Myrrh blend or explore the full collection.