Becoming the Fragrance of Christ

Becoming the Fragrance of Christ

So why Lilacs and Lavender? Lilacs and lavender flowers are very popular for their beautiful purple hues, sweet scents, and rich symbolism, but they're distinct plants: lilacs (Syringa) symbolize first love and spring, while lavender (Lavandula) signifies calm, purity, and devotion, often used for aromatherapy and repellents, with lilac being a pink-leaning purple and lavender leaning blue. People love them for their aesthetic appeal, historical uses (like mummification or healing), and cultural significance in art, music, and poetry.  I believe they represent so much more and teach us much as believers in Christ.  Our Lilacs and Lavender studio has been created as a dedication to women all over the world, who are beautiful inside and out, especially when living as the aroma of Christ.  This space is for you....a place where we will learn how to live our lives fully and wonderfully abundant as the sweet aroma of Christ.  

In John 1:12, the Bible says, "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God". We are His children.  In Isaiah 43:1 He says, "I have called you by name; you are Mine!"  We are loved and have been "fearfully and wonderfully made."  (Psalm 139:14)  And He also says He is with us always!  (Matthew 28:20) Take a minute to comprehend that!!!  

As believers in Christ, we are called to be a living sacrifice, exuding the "fragrance of Christ" through our lives and actions.  This aroma is both a testimony to the world and a source of joy to God.  For believers, the “fragrance of Christ" is a life-giving scent.  For those who reject Him, it can be a reminder of their lost state, leading to a "fragrance of death to death." It says in 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, "For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.  To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life."   We, as believers, are called to be a living sacrifice, exuding the "fragrance of Christ", through our lives and actions.  This aroma is both a testimony to the world and a source of joy to God.  For believers, the "fragrance of Christ" is a life giving scent.  For those who reject Him, it can be a reminder of their lost state, leading to a "fragrance of death to death." 

In Phil 4:14-23 Paul describes the way we live our lives before God as giving off a particular smell...the sweet aroma of an acceptable sacrifice.  Through Jesus, God's people are called to worship Him-not with animal sacrifice, but with the way we live our lives.  Psalm 15 reads:

This is the pleasing aroma.  Paul uses the imagery of  a "pleasing aroma" to describe the Philippian church's partnership with him in the advance of the gospel.  Gospel partnership is basically a matter of worship-where we make much of God.  That worship is seen in things like genuine concern for one another, sacrificial giving to the cause of the gospel.  Our joyful willingness to share one another's burdens and to lay down our lives (and our stuff) to make much of Jesus' name among the lost are a direct reflection of how much we value God.

We make known the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ by our words and deeds.  When people look at us, they gain a general knowledge and understanding of who Christ is.  He becomes visible in us.  We leave the aroma of Christ where ever we go.  As we speak and act, the world gets a sense-an awareness-of Christ.  And that aroma should be sweet.  To those being saved it is an aroma of life.  To those who reject, it is an aroma of death.  Our presence, our life, will either draw people towards Christ or turn them away.  

Ephesians 5:1-2, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering, and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.  

We are the fragrance of Christ.  When we imitate Him, and sacrifice ourselves for others in love, we live our lives on behalf of others, not ourselves.   We should always ask ourselves, how will we make the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ known today?

As for Lilacs and Lavender, we believe our lives connect in love as a fragrant offering.  Our mission is to be of service through the love of our Lord Jesus, bringing joy and healing through our words and our beautiful products, prayerfully made, meant only to heal and bring joy. Lilacs and lavender have meaning to us as we think of Jesus' teachings on God's love and care.  It is the sweet pleasing scent of Lilacs and Lavender which brings joy, comfort and peace...their color is associated with royalty and spirituality.  In Isaiah 58:11 the word teaches us that, "The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring."  We have been promised continuous divine guidance, refreshment in difficult times, renewed strength, and a flourishing spiritual life.  For us we believe it is our call to spread the sweet aroma of Christ and in 2 Corinthians 2:14, the Bible says,” But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphant procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere."  Amen

History of Lilacs:

So let us take a look at a bit of history when it comes to Lilacs and Lavender.  Let us see how beneficial these fragrances are and how they have been chosen to represent our mission of spreading the sweet aroma of Christ.  We will begin with the story of the Lilac.

A legend has been passed down through the years that suggests a lilac bloomed at Calvary during the crucifixion, losing its bloom due to the sorrow of Jesus' mother, Mary.  Of course that is legend but who truly knows.

My own first endearing experience with lilacs was in my childhood.  I grew up in the mid-west and in a single parent household with my sister and mother.  We were very close to my paternal aunt who lived not far from us.  My sister and I would spend a lot of time at her home and she was like a 2nd mom to us.  After a long winter of cold and snow, flowers would bloom and at the front of her old Victorian style house was a lilac bush as well as peonies.  Every year that bush would be overflowing with beautiful lilacs.  Their sweet smell was comforting. It is something I have always remembered and cherished. 

In Christianity, the color purple is a color of royalty and is a reminder of Christ's kingship and His unending sovereignty. Lilacs also represent renewal which is a theme of our humble Lilacs and Lavender studio.  The lilac, with its vibrant colors and enchanting scent represents not only renewal, but beauty, growth and transformation and is associated with purity and spiritual awakening.  During these unprecedented times I believe a revival is upon us as many souls are being saved.  I see it everywhere around me as people are wanting to know the Lord Jesus Christ.  The spiritual awakening is here and Lilacs are a beautiful reminder of how each of us can renew our faith in Christ and awaken to the truth of Christ Jesus.  And I can't help but think that as the lovely scent of lilacs fill the air with beauty and joy, our prayers and worship can bring a delight to the heart of God.  The fragrance of lilacs symbolizes the pleasing aroma of our devotion and adoration towards Him. In our wellness group I have created a wellness program book that is coming out soon called "Rise Anew" and is a 21 day health and wellness program aimed at helping women begin a new journey of transformation from the inside out. Be on the lookout for its release.

We know that lilacs are famous for their fragrant spring blooms but people rarely hear about it's history which is rooted in Europe and Asia.  They were introduced to Europe in the 16th century and eventually made it to North America with European settlers.  The Arbor Day Foundation says they've been cultivated since 1563 and were very inspired and well loved in France.  Lilacs symbolize springtime, new beginnings and first love.  Their fragrance and beauty have been praised by poets and writers.  Known as plants for colder climates, lilacs need a period of cold-initiated dormancy to trigger flowering.  And even as the origins are said to be in 1563, they are mentioned in the Song of Solomon 2:13, which are described in this way, "lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed."  

Some interpret the Lilac's presence in spring as a reminder of God's provision and care.  They are often associated with various properties, including renewal, love, protection, and spiritual growth.  They are also linked to memories, nostalgia, and the transition from winter to spring.  Lilacs, especially white and light purple, are often associated with love, both new and old, and can symbolize innocence, purity and passion.  

Many plant their lilacs near entryways to protect homes and are used in rituals to cleanse spaces.  They can also be associated with spiritual growth, introspection, and emotional healing.  Their calming scent is believed to promote relaxation and reduce stress.  And in some traditions, lilacs are linked with nature spirits, particularly faeries and view them as a bridge between the human and spiritual realms.  Of course we know this as fairytales.

Monet even produced two lilac paintings in the garden of his first home near Paris in the spring of 1872.  "Lilacs in the Sun", 1882 and "Lilacs, Grey Weather", 1872. 

 Edward Manet produced "A Vase of White Lilacs and Roses" just 2 months before his death in 1883.

Auguste Renoir also produced a similar painting entitled "Vase of Lilacs and Roses" and also "Vase of White Lilacs and Roses".

Van Gogh produced "The Lilac Bush" in 1889.  And then in between the two world wars, Mar Chagall, drawing inspiration from French painters of the 19th century, used the lilac motif to create "Lovers among the Lilacs", 1930.  

Lilac oil is known for its skincare and aromatherapy and as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial, making it useful for soothing irritated skin, reducing inflammation and combatting acne.  Plus it can promote relaxation, reduce stress and uplift mood.  God knew what He was doing when He created the Lilacs.  

Let us now take a look at the history of Lavender, a fav of most people.  Lavender is widely believed to have originated from the Mediterranean, Middle East and India and there are quite a few varieties.  In fact, did you know they are a close relative of the common mints?  Lavender has actually been around for over 2500 years!  In the Bible, lavender is referenced by the name of spikenard and was used for medicinal purposes as I will describe later.  It is thought that Mary Magdalene washed the feet of Jesus with lavender oil.  Lavender was used in the mummification of Egyptian Kings and Cleopatra supposedly used lavender when she seduced Marc Antony.  

The early Romans scented their baths with lavender.  Louis XIV of France loved bathing with lavender scented water and Queen Elizabeth I of England used lavender everywhere and even drank lavender tea to help her sleep.  

Europeans believed lavender would help ward off the plague since it repels fleas.  Castle floors were cleaned with lavender and plants have been cultivated for hundreds of years.  The first lavender plant to arrive in America could have been brought over on the Mayflower in1620.  History is filled with stories of the use of lavender.

Lavender and its oils have many benefits.  It is used as a culinary herb and is very popular right now for the sweet flavor it imparts to meats, sauces, baked goods, drinks and desserts.  It can actually be substituted for Rosemary.  

Lavender is mighty, too, as it repels insects like fleas, mosquitos, flies and moths.  The only insect that likes it is the honeybee and guess what?  Bees in a lavender field have been noted to actually be sleepy and mellow in the fields!  Lavender also repels mice!  Deer and elk absolutely do not like lavender so you have no worry of them eating this beautiful plant.

Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy as it is used to relax and soothe.  There are also many medicinal uses of its essential oil including direct application to cuts and burns, insect bites plus it may decrease the pain of colds, headaches and arthritis.  I actually  have many friends who have benefitted from our lavender essential oils in regards to pain and arthritis.  It always gives me great joy to see and hear someone benefitting from the oils.  Lavender is used in cleaning products as well as in deodorizers and air fresheners.  It is used in beauty products like soaps, shampoos, lotions, perfumes, skin toners and facial products.  It is actually one of the oldest perfumes known.  

Lavender was very significant in Biblical times.  It was costly and a prized aromatic for perfumes, medicines, and religious rituals.  In the Gospel of John, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, uses this "very costly" pure nard ointment to anoint Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair.  This act is seen as a premonition of His death and burial, or as an act of prophetic devotion.

Spikenard was one of the eleven holy herbs used in the preparation of the incense for the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.  The Queen of Sheba also gave spikenard to King Solomon as a lavish gift.  Lavender's spiritual connotations include purity, devotion, serenity, and grace.  Christian folklore suggests the Virgin Mary laid the infant Jesus' clothes on a lavender bush, giving the plant its distinctive pleasant scent and associating it with purity and divine innocence.  In a practice common during and after biblical times, a cross fashioned out of lavender was often hung over Christian household doors for protection against evil spirits.  

As for medicinal uses, Ancient Greek and Roman physicians, such as Dioscorides, documented lavender use in treating headaches, indigestion, sore throats and in cleansing wounds, highlighting its perceived healing properties for both the body and mind.  The name "lavender" itself is derived from the Latin word lavare, meaning "to wash".  The Romans used lavender to scent their public baths, beds, clothes, and hair, valuing its cleansing and healing properties.  In Ancient Egypt, long before the biblical era, lavender was used in cosmetics and in the complex process of embalming and mummification, a practice exclusive to royalty and high priests.  When Tutankhamun's tomb was opened, traces of lavender scent were reportedly still present after thousands of years.  

 

Lavender in Art depicts tranquility, spirituality and nature's beauty, appearing in famous works like Jackson Pollock's "Lavender Mist", symbolizing purity, love, and calmness. It is  often featured in landscapes, still lifes, and abstract forms, utilizing its iconic purple hues for emotional depth and decorative elegance in paintings, photography and prints. 

Lavender offers benefits those who suffer with anxiety, sleep and pain, primarily through its calming scent (aromatherapy), and compounds in its oil, which also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.  It is used topically for skin issues like burns, acne, eczema and wound healing.  In a future blog I will go over every oil we have meticulously designed for various beneficial purposes.  We are constantly researching and testing various recipes that will bring the wonderful results you all desire and deserve. We want nothing but the best for our clientele.  

I hope you enjoyed this blog and I look forward to communicating with you again very soon.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at lilacsandlavenderwellness@gmail.com .   May we all strive to be the fragrance of Christ each and every day.  I cannot wait to start sharing these beautiful lessons that God has placed on my heart that are not only for me but for all of you as well.   God bless you all!