Incense is the gum of a number of woods which when burned gives off a fragrant smell. In its purest form it is known as frankincense - the gift of one of the three Kings to the infant Jesus and a recognition of his Kingship.
The use of incense in religious ceremonies is almost as old as history itself - and certainly not restricted to Christianity. There are many allusions to its use in the Old Testament, its smoke symbolic of prayer and sacrifice and its smell creating an atmosphere for worship. One such reference heard regularly in church is in Psalm 141 verse 2, "Let my prayer be set forth before the Lord as incense".
There are references too in the New Testament, the most notable being in the Book of Revelation where the use of incense is graphically described as being offered with the prayers of aIl the saints.
Its use by the Church goes back at least to the 6th. century when it was burned to honour Christ and as a symbol of prayer rising from man to God.
Its use today in hundreds of parish churches and in many cathedrals, appeals to our senses and indicates a respect for the sacrament or the Gospel. A popular Epiphany hymn puts it this way, "Solemn things of mystic meaning, incense doth a God disclose".
Incense is a reminder of what we are privileged to give and to receive from God, by the power of His Holy Spirit.
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page last updated 1 MARCH 1998