Alabaster Jar

Alabaster was very expensive in Bible times, and if a person bought an alabaster box, it was only used for very important purposes. So the Pharisees considered it a waste when a woman poured perfume from an alabaster box on Jesus' head in Matthew 26:7-9. Alabaster historically was a symbol of purity and great honour. It is also thought to have been associated with the Egyptian Goddess Bast (hence alaBASTer). So in some sense, the Woman with the Alabaster Jar may have been associated in the author's mind as connected to ancient forms of worship, particularly of the Goddess. It is significant in this connection that, just before this passage in Luke, the text says 'Wisdom is justified in all her children". Now, the author of Luke would have known what he was referring to as Wisdom ie the Sophia, the Feminine Aspect of God and Bride of Christ. The New Testament, contrary to what most organised Churches will tell you, is full of veiled references to other spiritual cultures - eg Hellenic Alexandrian ones, Egyptian Mysteries ('out of Egypt have I brought my son'), Eleusinian Mysteries (corn and wheat imagery), Zoroastrianism (the Three Wise Men)... So this moment with the Alabaster Jar is very significant in terms of Christ and the Feminine/Sophia. What we are seeing is how, in fact, the Woman with the Jar is much closer in spirit to Christ... The lyrics of this song is just a reflection of what I want in life to offer myself as an alabaster jar, the greatest offering I could ever have is myself and I want to start it giving my whole self by starting my day early through worship in the morning and by praying out loud at least fifteen minutes every day. So dear Lord please strengthen me. I offer myself to you. If God is for me, then who can be against me?