The study of the history of spices is rather fascinating. Spices played such an important part in our history. Wars were fought, exploration of the new world enhanced, dangerous caravan missions undertaken-all because of the value of spices long ago.

It's just another one of God's special blessings that he allows us to have to enjoy here on this earth.

Before we take a look at some individual spices, let's look at their importance in the Bible.

1. Spices were used for the anointing oil (Ex. 25:6). Anointing of the head with oil in Jesus time was extended as an act of courtesy to guests. (Luke 7:44-46) Spices were a way of showing that you cared about someone, willing to give them something of value.

2. The Queen of Sheba brought spices (listed next to the gold) to King Solomon when she came to visit him. (I Kings 10:2). Today we would probably say "Give me the gold!" but in Bible times, they probably would have said, "give me the spices".

3. Spices were used in the burial process and taken to the tomb by Salome (who had viewed the crucifixion from afar)

Let's take a closer look at several spices.

ROSEMARY (friendship)

Rosemary was a symbol of friendship and remembrance, meaning "dew of the sea". Hundreds of years ago, it was dipped in gold, and tied with a ribbon and given out at weddings as a keepsake.

"Friend" is a word that carries great importance, but we use it so lightly. Teenagers especially will say "She's my best friend", and tomorrow another girl is her best friend. There are two uses in the New Testament. One is "comrade, fellow traveler", and the other is "one held precious and dear". Teenagers tend to look for someone to be their friend, and we sometimes are guilty of that too, but we need to seek to be a friend. As you choose one name to focus on this year, think your way into their lives, and pray for them. Remember those who do not participate in this program. They need encouragement and prayer too. Use the church list to pray for each other. Life's greatest joy is not having a friend, but in being a friend.

Let's remember the definition of friend as we embark upon a new year-we are "comrades, and fellow travelers" and let's hold each other dear and precious.

Nutmeg (faithfulness)

Nutmeg is the seed of the nutmeg tree, an evergreen native to the Spice Islands. It grows to about 30 feet, and the fruit resembles an apricot. When Columbus sailed from Spain looking for the East Indies, nutmeg was one of the spices for which he was searching.

This spice symbolizes faithfulness. It is an evergreen tree. It's always going to be there. We need to have this attitude toward each other. Nutmeg is a warm, sweet spice. I realize people move away, and there are always people who participate, and then do not follow through, but you be faithful. Keep your attitude warm and sweet toward each other, and stay faithful.

Turmeric (fun)

Turmeric is the root of a tropical plant related to ginger. In the Bible, it was often used to make perfume. It is known for it's exotic fragrance and mustard yellow color. It is used to give food color and flavor.

Turmeric is going to symbolize "fun" for us this year. Remember "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine". Learn to have fun in your Christian life. Life is filled with difficulties and problems, but you CAN have fun along the way. One of the first years that we had our prayer pals, I got a Disney pin just before going to Disney World. Little things can make life "fun" along the way. Don't wait for circumstances to be "just right" to be happy. Life is short, and circumstances will probably never be just right!!!!

Cinnamon (weeping)

Romans believed Cinnamon was sacred, and Nero burned a year's supply of the spice at the funeral for his wife. Finding Cinnamon was a primary motive of world exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Cinnamon is the inner bark of a tropical tree. The bark is harvested during rainy season when it is more pliable. (just as our rainy seasons make us more pliable).

The Bible says to "weep with them that weep" Romans 12:15. We need to care about the "weeping season" in each others lives. We have many rainy seasons come in our life, and we can bring or "harvest" the spice of cinnamon for each other. Cinnamon conjures up images of hot cinnamon rolls, and a flavoring to many "sweet" things. "A word fitly spoken." Knowing just what to say to someone in times of weeping can be sweet and warm, and extremely valuable.

Oregano (rejoicing)

I love the meaning of this spice. It is Greek for "joy of the mountain". It did not even come to the U.S. until after WWII. The soldiers brought it back. This wonderful spice came to us after great trouble..climbing the mountain of WWII. We can come to each other during and after great trouble as prayer warriors, and share the "joy of the mountain". We can rejoice together. I hope our church is climbing that mountain as we see the beginnings of God's great blessings. The longer you climb together, the greater the rejoicing. Oregano is a strong spice. It can endure the climb. We have some great prayer warriors, and faithful members who have endure the climb. We also need to be strong for each other. Let's climb together so we can rejoice together.

Mint (hospitality)

Mint is an ancient symbol of hospitality. There are over 30 species of mint, the two most popular being peppermint and spearmint. It's refreshing to open our homes and our lives to each other, and fellowship together. Opening our lives to each other may even be more difficult than opening our homes. We do not like to be hurt, but remember to be a friend. Don't make your concern "having friends". Practice hospitality at church, and make the visitors feel at home.

Parsley- (support)

This may come as a shock to your, but in ancient times, parsley wreaths were used to ward off drunkenness. How does this apply to you? Close friendships may help keep us from falling into sin. It is a comfort to know that someone praying for us. This world is full of temptations, and we need to support each other in prayer to "ward off drunkenness". I don't think you are going to go out and get drunk, but there are plenty of other sins out there to tempt us. Let's remember the importance of our job to support each other with prayer.

Another use for spices in the Bible..

Exodus 30:23-25. Just as a side note, calamus conotates to "redeem or balance the scale", and cassia means "bowing down the head". They were to be blended together to make an ointment for the temple. Verse 35 tells us that these spices were to be tempered together, pure and holy for the temple use. Each life is different and unique, and each brings a different perspective and fragrance to the church. But we can all blend together for a pure and holy sacrifice unto the Lord as the ladies of TBC.