Ascension Day comes 40 days after Easter Sunday celebrating the return of Christ to heaven. There is a mixture of emotions on this day. The disciples were left dumbfounded as they saw him disappear into the clouds.  Now what? Were they alone again? Of course ten days later came the descent of the Holy Spirit and they knew they would never be alone again, but still it was a confusing time for them.

After Pentecost the disciples and all of their followers could look at the Ascension in a different light. The Lord had taken up his power and begun his reign. It’s a time to rejoice. Alleluia!

I grew up going to Ascension Day services. Once I became a pastor, I discovered there was little interest by most Lutherans in celebrating this day. I have lead worship on Ascension Day maybe three or four times in 45 years having come to be grateful people even want to gather to praise the Lord on Sundays let alone Thursday. But you don’t have to be in a church to praise the Lord. I suggest reading Acts 1:1-11 and praying Psalm 47. And then maybe add a hymn.

My favorite Ascension Day hymn has been banished from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, but
here’s one verse and a recording.

Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious:
see the man of sorrows now!
From the fight returned victorious,
ev’ry knee to him shall bow.
Crown him! Crown him!
Crowns become the victor’s brow.
Crown him! Crown him!
Crowns become the victor’s brow.

Read Psalm 47 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne