Holy Smoke

Holy Smoke
by Taleen Khalaf (Jun. ’01)

Did you know that what you smell can affect how you feel? It is known that the scent of lavender can calm you down, and the smell of citrus can perk you up. But what does the holy smoke that is wafted around the church during service represent? How is it supposed to make you feel? Have you ever wondered? Well, I talked to Father John of St. George in Houston, Texas, and this is what I got out of it.  The smoke represents our prayers that ascend towards Heaven.  It is a way for "us" to view that ascension. In Exodus, God told people to use the incense.  Incense was so valued back then, that it was even given as a birthday gift when our Savior was born (trivia: Do you remember who it was who brought it? -Answer on bottom). Incense is an odor of spiritual sweetness. It’s perfect in that it is able to be viewed, the aroma of it is calming, and it’s a way of sending a sweetness to God. The scent of the incense affects our senses in that it is a "sweetness that overcomes our earthly body." So the next time you are in service, remember the meaning of the "holy smoke" and be alert to other ways our service includes all the senses of the body, both spiritual and earthly.

(Answer to trivia question: one of the Three Wise Men )