When a general returned to Rome after winning a major victory, he was greeted by a Roman triumphal march. The high political officials would lead the procession, followed by men blowing their trumpets. Then would come wagons carrying some of the spoils taken from the conquered territory, and just behind them a number of defeated army officers in chains. The priests, carrying burning censers from which a fragrance pervaded the air, were next in line. Bringing up the rear would be a group of cheering military men of various ranks. The smell of the incense symbolized joy, triumph, and life to the victorious general and his followers; but to the wretched captives who were on their way to execution, it savored of death. (1)

Some Christians expect that kind of victory parade when at last Christ…