The second gift given to Christ that we are going to look at is frankincense.  Unlike gold, frankincense is not very common, nor as rare as it once was.  In all honesty, until recently I didn't even know what it really was.

As it turns out, frankincense is a resin that forms from the milky sap of the Boswellia tree.  Once harvested, it is then used in a number of perfumes and aromatherapy treatments.  Most of the quality frankincense that is collected today comes from Oman (known to be some of the best), Yemen and northern Somalia.

Back in biblical times, frankincense was often used in religious rites, perfumes and medicine.  Because of these known uses, the symbolism of the gift of frankincense to the baby Jesus was to recognize him as both the religious leader born into the world, and the power of Christ to heal.

Praise be to the Healer, who has come to assuage the sins of man!