An aroma pleasing to the Lord
In biblical times, the use of incense in worship was a profound act of worship, a sacrifice to please God. When the three Magi (from which we derive the word “magician”) followed a star through the desert to the house where the young Jesus was living, they brought with them gifts including frankincense and myrrh along side gold, they are of the same kind of value.
Frankincense and Myrrh These are not just aromatic resins; they carry with them holy tradition and significance. Frankincense was associated with divinity, while myrrh was often used in embalming, and associated with death. Together a representation of Christ’s place and sacrifice. Not just to be dissolved in olive oil and burned in lamps or massaged in to make you feel good; but an aroma pleasing to the Lord. The gifts of the Magi were not merely tokens of honour, but offerings with profound spiritual meaning, acknowledging Jesus’ divine and kingly roles, as well as His suffering and sacrifice.
Incense in the Temple
The use of incense is deeply rooted in the religious practices of the ancient Israelites, as seen in the story of Zechariah. Luke 1:8-12 describes a pivotal moment in the life of Zechariah, who was chosen to enter the sanctuary of God and burn incense—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As he stood before the altar, the smoke of the incense symbolised the prayers of the people rising to heaven, a fragrant offering that created a connection between the divine and the earthly.
The significance of incense in Jewish worship is further underscored in Revelation 5:6-10, where the prayers of the saints are depicted as bowls of incense offered before the Lamb. This imagery powerfully conveys the idea that the prayers of the faithful are a precious and pleasing offering to God, carried upward like the sweet-smelling smoke of incense.
Atonement and Sacrifice
In Old Testament times, incense was an integral part of the rituals of atonement. Leviticus 16:11-14 describes how the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies with a censer full of burning coals and finely ground incense. The smoke from the incense was meant to shield the priest from the overwhelming presence of God, allowing him to perform the atonement rites without being consumed by divine holiness. This ritual underscores the protective and purifying role of incense in worship, symbolising the covering of sin and the intercession of prayers.
As Christians, we no longer offer animal sacrifices for atonement because Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient an offering to cover all sin. But its not like Christians don’t know how to have a good time. The act of burning incense can still hold deep spiritual significance, serving as a reminder to pray and contemplate the will of God.
The Modern Use of Incense
While the use of incense has diminished in some Christian traditions, it remains a powerful symbol in others. The Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and High Anglican churches still use incense in their liturgies, where it is not just a sensory experience but a deeply spiritual one. The rising smoke is a visual representation of prayers ascending to heaven, a tangible reminder of the connection between the earthly and the divine.
As Christians, we should be discerning about the products we use in worship; has this incense been prepared for foreign gods? Just as Joseph and Mary likely did not reject the valuable incense brought by the Magi, despite their foreign origins, we too can approach this practice with careful consideration. Hosea warned repeatably about the consumption of raisin cakes but we still have raisins in our hot cross buns and Christmas cakes. When selecting incense, I avoid those with names that are associated with pagan practices or other religions, instead choosing those that simply describe what I am going to offer. This allows me to participate in this quick and simple ritual without compromising my faith.
A Personal Reflection
For me, burning incense is more than just a pleasant smell; it is a humble act of sacrifice, a small offering. I hold the incense stick between my palms, pressed together in prayer, and offer its aroma to the Lord, hoping that He receives it with the intention it was offered. It is a small but meaningful act; reminding me of the importance of offering my self as a sacrifice to God.
In a post modern minimal world where many spiritual practices are questioned or abandoned, the simple act of burning incense can be a way to reconnect with the origins of our faith. It is a practice that reminds us that our prayers are heard, that our lives are a continual offering to God, and that, like the incense, our worship is an aroma pleasing to the Lord.
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