Chloe Adams
Candles are an integral part of Christian liturgy, with the flame symbolizing the light of Christ and the divinity of Jesus. Beeswax candles, in particular, are used in Catholic churches to represent Christ's purity. While most candles used in Catholic churches are unscented, some people opt for scented candles in their homes. The scent of these candles is usually chosen based on personal preference or the occasion for which the candle is being lit. For instance, a Catholic might use frankincense or myrrh as a votive candle for Jesus. Interestingly, a line of scented candles called His Essence has been created by a couple in Burbank, SD, who claim that the fragrance is based on Psalm 45, which describes the scent of Christ's garments when he returns. The candle combines myrrh, aloe, and cassia to create a flowery, cinnamon fragrance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Myrrh, aloe, and cassia |
| Scent | Flowery, cinnamon |
| Candle type | Beeswax |
| Burn time | 80 to 100 hours |
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What You'll Learn
- Jesus-scented candles are made from myrrh, aloe, and cassia
- The candles are supposed to let you sense Jesus in a new way
- The candles are based on Psalm 45, which describes Christ's garments
- The scent is described as flowery with hints of cinnamon
- The candles are sold online and in 150 stores across the US
Jesus-scented candles are made from myrrh, aloe, and cassia
Jesus-scented candles are made from a blend of myrrh, aloe, and cassia. According to scripture, these are the scents that will characterise the Messiah's garments upon his return. Myrrh is a fragrant resin that has been used since ancient times for sacred and medicinal purposes. With a complex and rich fragrance, myrrh is often described as earthy and slightly spicy, with hints of balsamic and smoke. In perfumery, myrrh oil is used as a fixative to extend the life of other scents and add depth to a fragrance.
Aloe, on the other hand, has a very mild aroma and is best known for its medicinal properties and use in skin treatments. Native to North Africa, the aloe plant has thick, juicy leaves and requires direct sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive.
The cassia plant, meanwhile, contributes a familiar, spicy fragrance to the candle. Together, these three scents create a refreshing and not overpowering aroma that is said to be reminiscent of Jesus' essence.
The "His Essence" candle, for example, is a hand-poured 16-ounce wax jar candle with a burn time of 80 to 100 hours. It offers a unique way to experience the scent of Jesus and has intrigued many with its mysterious and soothing blend of fragrances.
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The candles are supposed to let you sense Jesus in a new way
The "His Essence" candle is supposed to let you sense Jesus in a new way. The candle is made from a blend of myrrh, aloe, and cassia, which are mentioned in Psalm 45, a Messianic Psalm that refers to Christ's return and the scent of his garments. According to the candle's creators, Bob and Karen Tosterud, the oils create a flowery and cinnamon-like fragrance that is refreshing and not overpowering.
The use of myrrh in perfumes and incense dates back to ancient times, while aloe has a mild aroma and is commonly used in skin treatments. Cassia, on the other hand, has a familiar spicy fragrance, similar to cinnamon. When combined, these scents create a unique aroma that is difficult to describe.
The "His Essence" candle is hand-poured and has a burn time of 80 to 100 hours. It is available for purchase at select stores across the country and online at www.hisessence.com, retailing for approximately $18.
The concept of experiencing Christ through scent is intriguing, and these candles provide a unique way to connect with one's faith and create a spiritual atmosphere. Whether it is through the warm, earthy aroma of myrrh or the refreshing blend of the "His Essence" candle, these scents can serve as a reminder of Christ's presence and a way to engage with scripture in a new and sensory manner.
While the "His Essence" candle specifically focuses on the scent of Christ's garments, other Jesus-themed candles may incorporate different fragrances. For instance, beeswax candles are commonly used in Catholic churches to represent Christ's purity, with the wick symbolizing His soul and the flame, His divinity. Additionally, some votive candles may feature fragrances associated with Jesus, such as frankincense or myrrh, further emphasizing the connection between scent and spiritual experience.
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The candles are based on Psalm 45, which describes Christ's garments
The Bible is full of references to scent and fragrance, and one of the most intriguing is Psalm 45, which describes Christ's garments as scented with myrrh, aloe, and cassia. This psalm has inspired the creation of scented candles that aim to capture the essence of Jesus and provide a multi-sensory spiritual experience.
Psalm 45 is a rich and complex text that has been interpreted in various ways by scholars, theologians, and the early Church Fathers. Some see it as a simple hymn celebrating an ancient royal wedding, while others recognize its Christological significance, viewing it as a prophecy about Christ and his relationship to the Church. The psalm's description of the bridegroom King and his bride, the Messiah, has led to interpretations that see it as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and his Church, with Christ as the eternal King.
The reference to Christ's garments in Psalm 45 is particularly striking: "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad" (Psalm 45:8, KJV). The scent of myrrh, a fragrant resin, has long been associated with holiness and was one of the gifts brought to Jesus by the Three Wise Men. Aloes, meanwhile, have a mild, soothing aroma, and cassia has a familiar, spicy fragrance similar to cinnamon. Together, these scents create a unique and refreshing aroma.
The Tosteruds, a couple from Burbank, South Dakota, were inspired by this passage to create "His Essence" candles, which they claim capture the scent of Jesus' garments as described in Psalm 45. They were curious about the combination of scents mentioned in the psalm and decided to order the oils. They discovered that the oils created a flowery, cinnamon-like fragrance. They then contacted a friend who made candles, and in October 2005, they received their first batch of 768 candles. Word spread, and they ended up selling more than 10,000 candles, providing people with a unique way to experience Christ and engage their senses while reading the Bible.
The "His Essence" candles, based on Psalm 45, offer a unique way to connect with Scripture and imagine the scent of Christ's garments as described in the psalm. They provide a tangible reminder of Christ's presence and the joy and celebration that the psalm conveys. Whether through scent, sound, or touch, engaging multiple senses during spiritual practices can enhance the experience and create a deeper connection to one's faith.
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The scent is described as flowery with hints of cinnamon
Jesus candles, also known as "His Essence" candles, are supposed to evoke the scent of Jesus. According to scripture, when the Messiah returns, his garments will smell like myrrh, aloe, and cassia. Myrrh is described as having a flowery fragrance, while aloe has a mild aroma, and cassia, which comes from the bark of a plant, has a spicy cinnamon scent.
Combining these scents creates a unique aroma that is said to be refreshing and not overpowering. Bob and Karen Tosterud, the creators of "His Essence" candles, describe the smell as "flowery with hints of cinnamon." They were curious about the scent and decided to order the oils to create a candle that would allow people to experience Christ in a new way.
The Tosteruds' candles became popular, selling more than 10,000, as they provided a way for people to connect with their faith and imagine the scent of Jesus' garments. The flowery and cinnamon notes are meant to be soothing and evocative, creating a spiritual atmosphere for those who light the candles.
While the specific combination of myrrh, aloe, and cassia is unique to the "His Essence" candles, other scented candles used in religious contexts may feature fragrances like frankincense, roses, cedar, or sweet scents like honey. These scents are often associated with Jesus, Mary, or various saints, and they play a significant role in creating a sensory experience during prayer or worship.
Additionally, beeswax candles are commonly used in Catholic churches and are symbolic of Christ's purity. The natural scent of beeswax can be pleasing, and the honey-like aroma can be reminiscent of Jesus' association with honey in the Bible.
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The candles are sold online and in 150 stores across the US
Jesus candles, or prayer candles, are a popular way to connect with one's faith and are often used in Catholic churches and homes. While some Jesus candles are unscented, others have specific fragrances associated with Christ. According to scripture, when the Messiah returns, his garments will smell like myrrh, aloe, and cassia, as described in Psalm 45. This combination of scents is said to create a flowery and cinnamon-like fragrance.
One example of a scented Jesus candle is the "His Essence" candle, created by a couple in Burbank, South Dakota. These candles are crafted with the aforementioned scents of myrrh, aloe, and cassia, and are designed to help individuals experience Christ in a new way. The Tosteruds, the creators of "His Essence", initially ordered these oils out of curiosity and then worked with a friend who made candles to produce their unique product. Their candles quickly gained popularity, selling over 10,000 units across the United States.
The "His Essence" candles are available for purchase online at www.hisessence.com and in 150 stores across the nation. The candles are priced at approximately $18 each. This accessibility allows people from various regions to obtain these candles and incorporate them into their spiritual practices or home décor.
The act of lighting a candle is a significant symbol of prayer in the Catholic Church. The warm, earthy aroma of myrrh, used in votive candles for Jesus, can evoke memories of the magi who brought gifts to the infant Son of God. The sweet scent of honey from beeswax candles, such as the 100% pure beeswax "Jesus on the Cross" candle, also holds religious significance, representing the pure flesh of the Savior.
Whether purchased online or from a local store, Jesus candles offer individuals a unique way to connect with their faith and bring a sense of spiritual comfort into their homes. The accessibility and affordability of these candles make them a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their prayer experiences or create an ambiance reminiscent of peaceful church settings.
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Frequently asked questions
Jesus candles are typically made from beeswax, which has a sweet scent of honey. However, some candles are made to smell like Jesus himself, with scents of myrrh, aloe, and cassia, which together create a flowery, cinnamon fragrance.
Beeswax candles are commonly used in Catholic churches and homes. Beeswax candles are preferred over tallow candles, which were made from animal fat and produced a weak light and unpleasant smell.
Jesus candles are a symbol of prayer and Christ's purity. The flame of a lighted candle signifies Christ's divinity, and the wick represents his human soul.
Jesus candles can be purchased online at www.hisessence.com and from various stores across the country.
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