Anisha Riggs
Incense owns a deity nigh is a line from the Christmas carol We Three Kings, which describes the three gifts offered to Jesus by the three wise men. The line is often confusing to modern listeners, but incense (or frankincense) refers to a costly substance that creates fragrant smoke when burned, symbolizing prayers rising to God. Deity nigh refers to the Christ Child, who was near (nigh) to the three kings who had travelled to worship and offer him gifts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense | A costly substance that creates fragrant smoke when burned |
| Incense owns a deity nigh | Symbolises prayers rising to God |
| Deity nigh | Refers to the Christ Child, who was "near" (nigh) from the perspective of the three Kings |
| Frankincense | A type of incense used in prayer, offered to Jesus to acknowledge his holiness |
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What You'll Learn
The meaning of incense owns a deity nigh in the Christmas carol We Three Kings
The line "Incense owns a Deity nigh" from the Christmas carol "We Three Kings" has often puzzled modern listeners. The line refers to the three gifts of the Magi, who had travelled from the East to Bethlehem to worship the Christ Child and offer Him gifts. "Incense" (or frankincense) was one of these gifts, a costly substance that creates a fragrant smoke when burned. In the carol, it symbolises prayers rising to God. The phrase "a Deity nigh" refers to the Christ Child himself, who was "near" (nigh) from the perspective of the three Kings.
The word "Deity" means divine or God, and "own" here suggests the legal right to something. Jesus is the one to whom people pray and to whom they rightfully give their prayers and praise. The three Kings gave him incense in recognition of this. The smoke from smouldering incense symbolises the prayers of God's people rising to heaven.
In the Christian tradition, the three gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—acknowledged and honoured the Incarnation, the mystery of Redemption, and Christ's true identity as God (frankincense), Man (myrrh), Priest (myrrh), and King (gold). Incense, in particular, emphasises Christ's divinity.
The carol "We Three Kings" captures the revelation of Christ to the nations represented by the Three Wise Men, or Magi, who followed the star to Bethlehem. The song's lyrics, including "Incense owns a Deity nigh," poetically express the complex theological concept of Christ's nature and sovereignty as the King of kings and God incarnate.
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The significance of incense in Christian worship
Incense has been used in Christian worship since ancient times, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church/Eastern Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. The practice is believed to have originated from earlier traditions of Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple.
The smoke from burning incense is interpreted as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven. This symbolism is reflected in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice." Incense is believed to connect the senses to the lives of people of faith, serving as a reminder that the entire world is sacred.
In Christian worship, incense is used during the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, Solemn Vespers, Solemn Evensong, funerals, benediction, and exposition of the Eucharist, as well as during the consecration of a church or altar. It is also used in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches, Evangelical Catholic churches, Anglican churches, and Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic churches during almost every service.
The use of incense in Christian worship is rooted in its biblical significance. Incense, or frankincense, was one of the three gifts offered by the Magi to the Christ Child, as described in the Christmas carol "We Three Kings." The line "Incense owns a Deity nigh" from the carol refers to the Christ Child, who was "near" (nigh) from the perspective of the three Kings who had travelled to worship and offer gifts to him.
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The use of incense in prayer and worship in other religions
The use of incense in prayer and worship is prevalent in many religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shintoism.
In Christianity, the use of incense in worship has a long history, dating back to biblical times and the practices of the Israelites and early Jews. It is employed in various Christian denominations, such as the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Christian churches, Anglican Churches, and Lutheran Churches. The smoke from burning incense is often interpreted as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven, as described in Psalm 141:2. Incense is used during significant events like the celebration of the Eucharist, funerals, and benediction.
Hinduism, one of the oldest religions, has used incense since 3600 BCE. Incense is offered to God in various forms, such as Krishna and Rama, and is an integral part of daily puja and prayer rituals. The practice is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna accepts offerings made with love.
In East Asian Buddhist ceremonies and Chinese Taoist and Japanese Shinto rituals, incense plays a crucial role. Incense is burned as a sacrificial offering to deities or to aid in prayer. Worshippers light and burn incense sticks, waving or raising them above their heads while bowing to statues or plaques of deities or ancestors.
Additionally, the use of incense in prayer and worship extends to other Asian countries, including China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian nations. Incense burning is a common practice in Chinese ancestor worship and is believed to purify the surroundings and invite the presence of divine beings.
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The origin and history of incense use in religious rituals
The use of incense in religious rituals has a long and fascinating history, spanning multiple civilizations and faiths. The practice is believed to have originated in ancient times, with the first recorded use of incense traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization in India around 3600 BC.
Ancient Civilizations and Incense
Incense has been an integral part of various ancient civilizations, including those in the Middle East and Asia. In ancient Egypt, incense was prominent in religious rituals, such as the daily liturgy honoring the sun god Amun-Ra and mortuary rites, where it was believed to aid the souls of the departed in their journey to the afterlife. The Egyptians also used incense for its practical benefits, such as counteracting unpleasant odors and driving away demons.
The Babylonians and Assyrians were also known to use incense extensively in their religious practices, as mentioned by classical writers like Ovid and Virgil. The ancient Israelites adopted the use of incense in their liturgy, with a mixture of frankincense, storax, onycha, galbanum, and salt as a preservative.
Incense in Asia
Incense has played a significant role in Asian spiritual practices, with its use possibly dating back to around 3000 BCE. Incense burners discovered in Bronze Age ruins in central India suggest that the Indus Valley cultures may have been influenced by their Chinese neighbors.
In ancient China, incense was used in religious ceremonies, particularly for worship and ancestor veneration. The Chinese also incorporated incense into their traditional medicine, believing that it had purifying and harmonizing properties. The use of incense in China reached its peak during the Song Dynasty, with dedicated buildings constructed specifically for incense ceremonies.
From China, the practice of using incense spread to other parts of Asia, including Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries. Buddhist monks from Korea introduced incense to Japan in the 6th century, and it became incorporated into Shinto rituals during the Heian Era.
Incense in Modern Times
The use of incense has evolved and transcended religious boundaries, becoming a part of daily life for many people. Incense is often used in meditation and aromatherapy practices for its calming and focusing effects. Different types of incense, with varying burn rates and fragrances, are employed to suit different purposes and cultural contexts.
In modern-day India, the use of incense sticks, or 'Agarbattis', remains a ubiquitous practice in Hindu rituals and prayers. Incense is offered to various forms of God, such as Krishna and Rama, with the belief that the smoke transmits prayers to the gods.
In Christian traditions, the use of incense continues to be prevalent in various denominations, including Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Orthodox churches. Incense is also used in the Jewish Havdalah ceremony, marking the end of the Sabbath, and in the rituals of Mandaeism for communion with celestial beings.
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The interpretation of dreams in Christianity
Dreams have been a source of fascination and curiosity for Christians throughout history, with many believing that they hold spiritual significance and messages from God. While not all dreams are considered prophetic or divine, Christians often interpret dreams as a means of understanding their emotions, gaining self-awareness, and discerning God's wisdom.
In Christian tradition, dreams are viewed as a way to receive guidance and revelation from God. The Bible, specifically the Old and New Testaments, mentions several instances of God communicating with people through dreams. For example, in the Old Testament, Jacob dreamed of angels travelling between heaven and earth on a ladder, and King Solomon conversed with God in a dream. Similarly, in the New Testament, Joseph and the Magi experienced significant dreams in the Christmas story. These biblical narratives reinforce the belief that dreams can convey important messages and divine guidance.
Christians interpret dreams through various methods. Some seek guidance from pastors, spiritual mentors, or individuals within their church communities who are known for their dream interpretation abilities. Others turn to the Bible for interpretation, believing that the Scriptures provide the normative guide for understanding dreams. Additionally, Christians may pray about their dreams, inviting God to send specific messages or revelations through their dreams. This practice aligns with the belief that the Holy Spirit can help interpret dreams and provide inspiration.
The emotional and psychological aspects of dreams are also important in Christian dream interpretation. Dreams are often viewed as reflections of one's emotions and experiences, with symbols and themes that may hold personal or universal meanings. By analysing the symbols, feelings, and narratives within dreams, Christians can gain insight into their subconscious thoughts and feelings, fostering self-awareness and emotional understanding.
While Christians may find meaning and value in dream interpretation, it is important to exercise discernment. Some Christians believe that not all dreams are from God, and confusion or fear in a dream may indicate an alternative source. Additionally, it is emphasised that dreams should not be the primary source of guidance, as God's Word in the Scriptures takes precedence. Christians are encouraged to submit their dreams and other experiences to the authority of the Bible and to seek guidance from it first and foremost.
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Frequently asked questions
The phrase "Incense owns a Deity nigh" is a line from the Christmas carol, "We Three Kings".
"Incense" refers to frankincense, a costly substance that creates fragrant smoke when burned, symbolizing prayers rising to God. "A Deity nigh" refers to the Christ Child, who was "near" (nigh) to the three kings who travelled to worship and offer gifts to him.
Incense has been used in religious rituals and worship since antiquity, including in Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Shintoism. It is often used as a symbolic or sacrificial offering to deities or spirits, and as an aid in prayer.
Frankincense is a type of incense made from the resin of Boswellia trees. It has been traded in North Africa and Somalia for thousands of years and is mentioned in the Bible as a consecrated incense.
The three gifts of the Magi, or three kings, mentioned in "We Three Kings" are gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts symbolize Jesus as their king, high priest, and ultimate sacrifice.
