It’s not Christmas. In fact, Easter is approaching. But after a record-breaking stint of deep and lasting snow in Seattle, a new inspiration seems to be nudging me back to Christmas.
That said, my greatest joy at this time of year, amidst cold and sometimes dreary days, is when the crocuses pop their heads up out of the ground. This happened a few days ago, and I was able to get a picture of the juxtaposition between the remnants of winter’s snow and that joyful sunny announcement of spring’s promised renewal.
Crocuses and Christmas – a most interesting – and perhaps strange – combination. The blend, however, is the source of my latest inspiration. Both crocuses and Christmas compel new arrival and expose precious treasures. Indeed, the greatest arrival in history warranted a visit from the Magi with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Herein lies the mystery – and the inspiration. We know the value and extensive benefits of frankincense and myrrh as exotic spices with medicinal benefits. There is not much elaborated, however, about the gift of gold the Magi brought to the Christ child. In fact, a little bit of research exacerbates the mystery, wondering what kind of gold was proffered and from where it originated – and leaving many unanswered questions. Of course, gold is a sign of wealth and purity and even royalty or kingship. The ancient building of the temple involved intricate details captured in Scripture about the use and significance of pure gold.
But what if the gold offered to Jesus by the Magi was actually the precious spice, saffron? Unarguably the most expensive spice in the world – and often pricier than gold and commonly referred to as “red gold” – saffron would have been a most honorable gift. In fact, Melchior, traditionally called the King of Persia, is the one said to have brought the gift of gold to Jesus. And, arguably, the highest quality saffron (a very finicky plant, by the way, which requires specific growing conditions) comes from Persia.
Here’s more. Saffron comes from the plant Crocus sativus. Yup – a crocus!!! The tiny flower produces 3 stigmata which are still to this day harvested by hand. Just one strand dropped in a bowl of water will turn the water yellow (more gold). Further, saffron is richly loaded with powerful health benefits that include antioxidant and cancer fighting properties, antiinflammation, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, appetite suppressant, and improvements in memory, heart health, eyesight, pain relief, and more.
The inspiration from crocuses and Christmas compels a new arrival. I am pleased to announce the Sheeperfect ® Magi Bar. This bar will join the lineup of Sheeperfect® Skin (Sheep and Bar) and Sheeperfect® Man Bar. The Magi Bar will be infused with saffron, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils. Magi-cal!
Because of the premium price of saffron, the Magi Bar will cost $5 more, but the incredible combination of these three exotic spices will deliver far more in value.
Order early. The Sheeperfect® Magi Bar will be available later in March – and ready for Easter.