What is Ascension Day?
John Singleton Copley, Ascension (1775)
[Jesus said] “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 end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
The Ascension, by Benjamin West (1801)
When is it celebrated?
We know based on Acts 1:3 that Jesus Ascended to heaven 40 days after He rose from the dead. Since Easter is always the first day of the week, Ascension Day lands on Thursday 40 days after Easter. Some churches hold a Service on Ascension Day itself, but many others simply commemorate it the following Sunday.
What’s the big deal?
For many, Ascension Day comes and goes without any real celebration or thought. The reality is that Christ’s ascension is filled with rich theological significance! Here is a summary of some theological implications:
The Ascension means that Christ intercedes for us. (Romans 8:34)
It brings heaven near to us in Christ and His body—the church. (Eph. 1:22-23)
It guarantees our own salvation and bodily resurrection. (Acts 1:11; Eph. 4:8-10)
It invites us to set our hearts and minds on things above. (Col. 3:1-2)
It leads us to Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church. (Acts 1:4, 8)
How should we celebrate?
Ascension Sunday is beautiful day to celebrate our Savior who lives and reigns. It is recognized through distinct prayers, Scripture readings, and liturgies in the church. There are also some very tangible ways to lead children in recognizing this most important day. Some of the ways that we do this at Emmanuel is by releasing helium balloons and enjoy root beer floats following the Service.
We invite you and your family to join us in recognizing our Lord's Ascension on the 6th Sunday after Easter!