The Deity’s Incense
“Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity night.
Prayer and praising, all men raising—
Worship Him, God most high.”
In this, the second verse of the carol “We Three Kings,” a second gift of the magi at the Nativity appears: frankincense. Although the term “frankincense” itself is relatively modern (originating from the French term franc-encens, meaning “pure,” i.e. “precious” incense), this aromatic tree resin was well-known and widely used throughout the ancient world as part of worship and offerings, both Christian and pagan.
Within Scripture, frankincense takes on an especially rich significance: it was an integral part of many sacrifices prescribed for Israel in the Pentateuch—a “fragrance” that was pleasing to God (Leviticus 2, Exodus 30:34)— and its inclusion as one of the three gifts of the Magi would therefore harken back to a long tradition of priestly imagery for ancient Jewish readers of the New Testament. This, in turn, introduces the second major symbolic role of Jesus within the carol: if gold portrays Jesus as King, frankincense portrays him as Priest—the ultimate Intercessor between God and man, who atones for sin not by sacrificing animals, but ultimately by dying Himself. Moreover, the symbolism of frankincense goes beyond just priestly imagery: unlike the Old Testament priests who offered incense to God in the Temple, Jesus at the Nativity is the recipient of incense: the role of a god. In this way, the gift of frankincense highlights not only Jesus’ priestly role in atoning for our sins, but also his divine status; paradoxically, he both offers and receives the supreme sacrifice necessary to blot out human sin.
The gift of frankincense does not only illustrate theological realities—it also fulfills Old Testament prophecy. Isaiah 60, a messianic prediction of the coming of Christ, says,
“For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the LORD will arise upon you,
and his glory will be seen upon you.
And nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising.
…the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,
the wealth of the nations shall come to you…
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
and shall bring good news, the praises of the LORD.”
In this prophecy, frankincense and the other gifts of the magi are directly connected to the “good news” of salvation that Jesus brings: these gifts point us to truths about Jesus, but they also underscore His relation to us. The passage also expands on the far-reaching nature of the Gospel, symbolized in a limited way by the journey of the magi from a distant country to honor Jesus—in the same way that the magi came to worship the infant Christ, “nations shall come” ultimately to the “light” of the Gospel.
As we consider the symbolism of frankincense throughout the season of Advent, let us pause and reflect on the spiritual truths about our salvation it reveals, giving thanks to Christ as the Priest who intercedes for us with God the Father. Let us consider, too, how this symbolism extends to our own personal actions: as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 2:15, once saved by Christ’s overarching sacrifice, our own actions become like an offering to God: “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” With all this in mind, we should take these truths as a great comfort and assurance of our salvation, which is guaranteed by Jesus’ intercessory work on the cross.
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)