Myrrh of Christmas and Easter

 

As we continue to observe the similarities between Christmas and Easter, the gift of Myrrh becomes a common mention.  Doing the research to bring these similarities forward, I found it amazing what Myrrh was used for.  As stated in Matthew, Myrrh was given to Mary and Joseph by the three kings who travelled to see the Savior.  On their way, they had stopped to see Herod, who, as we know, was very anxious to find the Savior.  After the kings worshipped the True King, they had a dream that told them not to head back to Herod, so they went home another way.

I found all the gifts that the kings brought to Jesus to be interesting.  Gold represented high value (as it does today).  Typically, gold would present itself with royalty.  Certainly, the King of Kings would deserve such a cherished gift.  Frankincense was an incense.  This was not typically used in every-day life back in Jesus' time, but was used more as a worship incense for gods.  As Jesus was God on Earth, it was only fitting for frankincense to be a gift.

Yet, the gift that stands out at both Christmas and Easter is Myrrh.  Myrrh had many uses.  Many of them would have a direct correlation to Jesus as The Chosen One.  Myrrh was used as a medicinal oil at times, but the greater use seems to have been as an anointing oil.  Myrrh was used to prepare the temple before sacrifices were made, being placed on the alters and the priests.  We can certainly see the correlation there, that Myrrh would be given to Jesus, who would make the ultimate sacrifice.

Later, we see Myrrh as Jesus' death.  It presents itself, mixed with wine, the Jesus refuses to drink.

We see Myrrh now being offered possibly as medicinal, to help with the pain.  Yet, Jesus refuses that, as he suffered ALL the pain for our sins, he labored through ALL the suffering for our transgressions.  He wasn't going to take anything that would have ebbed any of the pain and suffering he was experiencing.  He was sent to this Earth, and received the gift of the anointing oil of Myrrh at his birth as a foretell of the sacrificial lamb He was for us all.

Jesus' birth at Christmas and all that was present draws many strong connections to Easter.  God had such purpose for Jesus' life on Earth, obviously the greatest being his death for our sins.  Everything Jesus endured, even the way he entered this life, had meaning and purpose.  I encourage all of us to reflect on the purpose that God has for our lives.  What has He provided to each one of us to live out the life He has given to us?  During this Advent season, may we dig deep to find our purpose and live it every day.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the connections you provide to us from Christmas to Easter.  Myrrh had many different uses, yet we can certainly see this strongly as an anointing oil used before sacrifices, as you came to Earth to give the ultimate sacrifice.  May we reflect on your purpose and seek to find our purpose that you have provided to us.  In your holy name we pray.  Amen~