Pastors’ Blog

Weekly reflections on religion and what's going on in the world.

Pumpkin Spice

By Rev. Solomon Keal

10/19/21

Some of the things I love about autumn are the pumpkin-spice flavored foods and drinks. I know not everyone likes that flavor, but I do. One of the main ingredients of pumpkin spice is cinnamon, and cinnamon was a main ingredient in the holy anointing oil in the tabernacle:

“Moreover the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Also take for yourself quality spices—500 shekels of
liquid myrrh, half as much sweet-smelling cinnamon (250 shekels), 250 shekels of sweet-smelling cane, 500 shekels of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hint of olive oil. And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil, an ointment compounded according to the art of the perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil. With it you shall anoint the tabernacle of meeting." Exodus 30:22-26

There are many pictures drawn of the tabernacle, to help us imagine what it looked like. But we might also imagine what it smelled like. It may have smelled like cinnamon! The Writings tell us what this symbolizes in our lives:

“These spices from which the anointing oil was prepared mean the perception of and affection for truth.” Secrets of Heaven 10254.6

There are times we might hear a true idea and think:

“Mmmm. That’s good! I like that!” It’s almost as if we are smelling or tasting the truth, and it might smell or taste like a warm loaf of pumpkin bread, fresh out of the oven. Here’s a truth that smells and tastes good to me: “Feeling the joy of someone else as joy within ourselves--that is loving.” (Divine Love & Wisdom 47) What is one of your favorite truths? And what does it smell or taste like to you?

 

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