But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.” After he had said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud hid him from their sight. – Acts 1:8-9
Ascension Day marks the time when Jesus took his disciples to the Mount of Olives and returned to heaven. In Acts 1 we are told that this took place forty days after Jesus’ resurrection. Ascension Day has traditionally been celebrated on a Thursday. Many churches have bumped the celebration to the following Sunday instead.
Here’s a little extra info:
- This year Ascension Day is May 21st. It marks the end of the Easter season and takes place ten days before Pentecost.
- It was a pivotal moment for the disciples. Much like the resurrection or Pentecost, it was one of those light-bulb moments when they suddenly saw things more clearly.
- With Jesus now ascended to heaven and seated at the Father’s right hand, it marked the complete and final payment for sin that his life, death and resurrection had made.
Scriptures for the Day of Ascension
(Link will take you to Lectionary page)
Prayer:
Risen and ascended Christ,
you surround us with witnesses
and send us the Counselor
who opens our minds to understand your teaching.
Bless us with such grace
that our lives may become a blessing for the world
now, and in the age to come. Amen.
This is the start of something amazing
A moment when heaven touches earth
Here in our hearts Lord we are waiting
For something that’s far beyond what we have seen or heard
– Phil Wickham/The Ascension