What are frankincense and myrrh?

Frankincense and myrrh are both dried tree sap.

The way that people collect the sap is similar to the way people collect rubber-tree sap or pine-tree sap. Cutting the tree's bark causes the sap to ooze out of the cut. The sap used to create both frankincense and myrrh comes slowly and is allowed to dry on the tree. The hardened sap is collected and used as frankincense and myrrh.

Both in the time of the three wise men and today, frankincense and myrrh are commonly used to create incense.

Long ago the glorious Christmas star
Guided wise men from afar,
To the little town of Bethlehem,
To the Savior of all men.

Over hill, across the desert sand,
Slowly t’ward the Holy Land,
With them precious loving gifts they bring,
Asking for the newborn King.

When they saw the Child they all
rejoiced, Worshipped Him with tender
voice, Bowing low, presented gifts of love
To the Christ-child from above.