Luke 1:5—12

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of A-bī-jah, and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6 And they were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and righteous requirements of the Lord.

7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.

8 Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the order of his division,                    

9 according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense.

10  And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of the incense offering.

11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.

12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear fell upon him.

Quotes: 

“The ascending, aromatic cloud of incense smoke symbolized the people’s prayers of repentance, of confession and thanksgiving, for the coming Messiah, the peace of Jerusalem, the nation, the family, salvation, and for the coming kingdom. 

Thus the incense represented the people’s dependence on God, their submission to Him, and acknowledged His sovereignty over them.” Dr. John MacArthur