FRANK IN SENSE

 

What’s Up With Myrrh?

A couple of days ago the mystery Wordle word was something unique and seasonal. It wasn’t an every day word. It was a five letter word that didn’t hold many vowels. Some would say it had no whole vowels, just a half one. Regardless, the word challenge was tough, very tough. I think it was the toughest Wordle word all year. I also think it was more than just a word and definitely not a random word.

“Myrrh” is a aromatic sap-like product from Arabian trees; it attracts attention, draws you in,  and the only time we ever hear the word is in December.

This has caused me to wonder why that word popped up in December? Turns out it is a subliminal nudge sort of like the “earlier than ever” (midNovember) playing of Christmas carols on the radio and in stores. The latter is all about building business and the former is something subtly nonsecular in an effort to draw us in and bring back the story of Christmas. 

Over the past few decades I have noticed that many people in my life get all excited about Christmas, but fewer and fewer acknowledge the story of Christmas — the actual story of Christmas. It’s no longer mentioned, depicted or even partially or fully believed. It doesn’t even dawn on more and more younger generation people that something once so rich, has fallen on deaf ears. 

The end of the month of December has become a target date for an extra special meal, gift exchanges and unique visits. Some celebrations are full of joy and others full of stress and strain. All of it makes me wonder, in December, what Jesus, Joseph and Mary are thinking?

This brings me back to myrrh. Does anyone even know what myrrh is? Is anyone curious? Has anyone used it in a sentence or given it any thought as to why it pops up in December, or why it got a spot in Wordle ?

I think it was a form of subliminal advertising. A nudge.  The word was meant to give our heads a shake. 

Myrrh is a precious scented resin used for perfume, incense, anointing oil for priests and kings, and for embalming the dead, symbolizing Jesus's future death and burial. It’s revered in the birth of Jesus part of the Bible and maybe in other holy books too. It’s even in a carol at this time of year, the time of year set aside for believers in the original story of Christmas.

Does anyone else wonder about myrrh or frankincense or even what Mary, Joseph or Jesus are thinking right now as they look down from SkyWorld? I do wonder — whether we myrrh-a-lee ponder about this frank-in-sense parody, or not.

Thank you Wordle people for the challenge, and the nudge.