Frankincense And Myrrh

The story of frankincense and myrrh runs in tandem with man's evolution. Their use in so many varied ways has accompanied man and woman through the uncertain and often stormy path of life. Once prized as highly as gold, frankincense and myrrh's use in perfumery suggested an exclusivity as do the celebrated perfumes of today. But they offered much more than mere aesthetic delight. At times they were a life-line to spiritual and physical health and well-being. Over many centuries the use of frankincense and myrrh pervaded a wide range of societies and religions. The caravan trails for this valuable cargo have disappeared but these aromatics continue to be valuable commodities both in the East as well as in the West. Frankincense and Myrrh continue to excite the imagination and are probably the most famous aromatics of all time. Their appeal and magic will never die and this book explains why.

"The perfect Christmas gift for anyone interested in the historical background behind the birth of Jesus of Nazareth." — Robert J. Hutchinson, author of The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Bible, The Dawn of Christianity, and Searching for Jesus. "Utterly refreshing and encouraging." — Eric Metaxas, New York Times bestselling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and Martin Luther "The best book I know about the Magi." — Sir Colin John Humphreys, Ph.D., author of The Mystery of the Last Supper Modern biblical scholars tend to dismiss the Christmas story of the “wise men from the East” as pious legend. Matthew’s gospel offers few details, but imaginative Christians filled out the story early on, giving us the three kings guided by a magical star who join the adoring shepherds in every Christmas crèche. For many scholars, then, there is no reason to take the gospel story seriously. But are they right? Are the wise men no more than a poetic fancy? In an astonishing feat of detective work, Dwight Longenecker makes a powerful case that the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem really happened. Piecing together the evidence from biblical studies, history, archeology, and astronomy, he goes further, uncovering where they came from, why they came, and what might have happened to them after eluding the murderous King Herod. In the process, he provides a new and fascinating view of the time and place in which Jesus Christ chose to enter the world. The evidence is clear and compelling. The mysterious Magi from the East were in all likelihood astrologers and counselors from the court of the Nabatean king at Petra, where the Hebrew messianic prophecies were well known. The “star” that inspired their journey was a particular planetary alignment—confirmed by computer models—that in the astrological lore of the time portended the birth of a Jewish king. The visitors whose arrival troubled Herod “and all Jerusalem with him” may not have been the turbaned oriental kings of the Christmas carol, but they were real, and by demonstrating that the wise men were no fairy tale, Mystery of the Magi demands a new level of respect for the historical claims of the gospel.

Whatever happened to the gifts of the Magi? This book traces them from their point of origin through the thirty-three years of Jesus' life, each ultimately becoming an integral part of the crucifixion. Many Biblical characters are utilized including the Magi, Lazarus, Mary of Bethany, Nicodemus, the Rich Young Ruler, Herod, Archelaus, Martha, Pilate and others. The Bible provides the overall outline and the use of Biblical truth gives validity to the fictional account. Because the plot is supported by Biblical passages and so intricately woven, a reader will almost be convinced the resolution is what really happened to the gifts although it is fiction. Some readers might read this book for its mystery; others out of mere curiosity; some for its poetic symbolic foreshadowing; and others for its Biblical background, but it is my fond hope that all readers will be intrigued enough to study the Bible, for within it they shall discover marvelous stories beyond imagination! And while this story is fiction, those are not!