Isa 10:27 And it shall be, in that day his burden shall be taken away from off your shoulder, and his yoke from off your neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

Mary's Alabastron Mary's Alabaster Box "Mary’s fragrant offering" was and is the perfume of her worship and adoration poured out in a type of priestly ministry upon the Son of God. This costly offering historically was also given to a daughter by her Jewish parents for her dowery. On her wedding night the perfume was to be poured out upon her husband's feet at the time of the marriage consummation. It was similar to the act of submission performed by Ruth at the instruction of Naomi to Boaz at the treshing floor. Mary's giving her very own dowery was a statement of complete love and devotion submission and obedience.  Mary obeyed the Holy Spirit when directed to anoint Jesus by giving her best. She also was criticised by the church then as you may be now when giving Jesus your all. Do not stop obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit even when others speak evil against you. Just remain humble and meek before them. Offer forgiveness, love them and minister to God with your whole heart. That’s the "Mary" anointing boldly loving Jesus in abandon worship adoration and intercession. There is an anointing from the Lord being released into the body of Christ for this priestly ministry. Spikenard is sometimes referred to as "Nard" in the botanical reference books. Also improperly known as spikenard (from Latin spica, head of grain, and nardi), this hardy herb, a member of the Valerian family, grows in the high altitudes of the Himalayas. The part of the plant growing underground has the appearance of a hairy fibrous spindle, and is rich in oil. Nard was found in the Himalayas which is now called India, nard traveled great distances in the ancient world. The form it was exported was of a dry rhizome or mascerated oil extract, via India wchich was under Persian domain, under the name nardin. Mary's Alabastron (cont....)

Ancient Alabastrons of Jesus Day Origin: Israel /Circa: 300 BC to 100 BC (pictured left) Biblical Hellenistic Period In the ancient Near East, there was a long tradition for carving vessels from radiant alabaster. Graceful cups, bowls and jars were made from this lovely stone, and its use has continued on until the present day. This exquisite jar was probably created to hold ointments, ungents or perfumes durring the Classical Age. Even empty, it seems to glow with an inner light, the essence of something rare and wonderful.   The ancient alabastron, was the prelude and forerunner to our modern day perfume bottle. Beautifully carved by master craftsmen which originated mostly from Egyptian alabaster mines. There were other places that alabaster was found but the best alabaster came from Egypt , dated at the time of the ancient trade routes. The alabaster was of a better grade then and composed of calcite rather than gypsum (at least that is what I have read). Ancient alabastrons found today can actually be purchased through galleries who deal in ancient treasures. Believe it or not some of them sell for as little as $300 but can go for as much as $3000. In Greek: alabastron, a perfume vial that was originally made of carved alabaster in the form of a miniature amphora or wine jar or juglet. Matthew 26:17, Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37. Probably biblical alabaster is travertine or "Egyptian alabaster." Egyptian alabaster is a very fine grained variety of re-crystallized Eocene limestone (calcite,CaCO3) whereas in modern usage alabaster is a fine-grained, massive variety of gypsum (hydrated calcium sulfate, CaSO4.2H2O). The alabastron therfore, in the Gospels serves as a metaphor for the offering of our finest efforts to Jesus Christ.

Ancient Alabastron from Jordan  "Alabastra Alabastaron 6th-5th Century BC (pictured left)."Description: Alabaster Alabastron {Perfume Vessel} of tall, slender form tapering gradually in to the neck, with twin vestigial handles at the upper body. {The graceful form of this splendid vessel achieves a sculptural perfection. It speaks of an age-old fondness for luxury unadorned with extraneous detail. Containing precious perfumes or balms, it surely belonged to some woman of the ancient world whose skin echoed its luminous beauty. When we hold it as she did, we delight also in its cool and pleasing contours.} ALABASTER The garden of the kings palace at Shushan was paved with red, blue, white and black marble (Authorized Version: Esther 1:6) The Hebrew Bible uses the word bahat instead of marble. (Its not really known what this Hebrew word meant in antiquity, but today its used for alabaster). Chemically, alabaster is a crystalline calcium carbonate or calcite. In Egypt it was used for making small bowls, juglets and scent bottles as early as the 3rd Dynasty. There are alabaster mines in Upper Egypt and Sinai and alabaster of inferior quality is also found in Israel.

Alabaster Today

Spikenard Balm  Our Spikenard balm comes from ABBA Oils and is a Precious ointment in a very precious container!  Our wonderfully fragrant Spikenard solid balm is now available in a lovely alabaster jar, a desirable treasure of ancient times.  Jar measures 2.5"H x 2.5"D and makes a perfect tealight holder once the supply of the balm is exhausted.  Price is $24.00

Abba Alabastrons Todays alabastron is small and sleek and elegent yet designed to give a look into the past. These are for sale and hold a small amount of anointing oil. They come in two sizes and in two colors white (shown below) and shades of tan.: Small 3" $22.00 Medium 4" $30.00 Our multi-color, hand-carved alabaster jars are absolutely stunning, with striations of earth-tones ranging from peach to cream to brown.  Each jar is unique in coloration and one is more beautiful than the next!  This very special container comes packaged in gold window box. Each jar will hold approximately 1/8 oz of oil. Our suggestion would be to order a our anointing oil from any of our fragrant anointing oils so a portion of the oil can be placed in the jar and a portion can be carried to use at any time.  Oil purchased separately. Alabaster jars small multi-tan $22.00medium multi-tan $30.00small white $22.00medium white $30.00

White Alabastron This lovely,white, hand-carved alabaster also comes packaged in gold window box. The jar will hold approximately 1/8 oz of oil. Our suggestion would be to order a 1/4 oz annointing oil from any of our fragrant anointing oils so a portion of the oil can be placed in the jar and a portion can be carried to use at any time.  Oil purchased separately.