“Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a gold censer. He was given a great quantity of incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the holy ones, on the gold altar that was before the throne. The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel” (Rev 8:3-4)

Since the beginning of the Church (and going way back to our Jewish roots), incense has been part of our liturgy. St. John, in the book of Revelation, has a vision of it being part of the heavenly liturgy. It is one of those elements of the Mass that help emphasize the transcendent nature of what we’re doing – we are engaged in nothing less than the worship of the one true God.

Incense has several different symbolic dimensions worth appreciating, which are rooted in Sacred Scripture. Firstly, there is the symbolism of our prayers rising up to God. Secondly, there is the pleasant fragrance which engages yet another one of our senses as we worship. Thirdly, all throughout the Bible, a cloud has been the symbol of the presence of God.

For instance, this is how the book of Exodus concludes (as the Israelites continue their journey in the desert): “Finally, [Moses] set up the court around the tabernacle and the altar and hung the curtain at the gate of the court. Thus Moses finished all the work. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting, because the cloud settled down upon it and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Whenever the cloud rose from the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out on their journey. But if the cloud did not lift, they would not go forward; only when it lifted did they go forward. The cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire in the cloud at night, in the sight of the whole house of Israel in all the stages of their journey” (Ex 40:33- 48).

Especially as we enter into the celebration of Christmas, during which we have such a strong desire to “Come let us adore Him”, don’t be surprised if the three Wise Men bring a little more incense this year. 