Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting His hands to heaven, He blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped Him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God. – Luke 24:50-53 NLT
Ascension Day is a holiday that celebrates the day Jesus rose to heaven. It is held 40 days after Easter Sunday (always landing on a Thursday), matching the 40 days that Jesus taught His disciples after His resurrection before ascending into heaven in the city Bethany. Some churches (especially Catholic dioceses in the United States) have moved the holiday to the following Sunday, known as Ascension Sunday. While it is not a federal holiday in the United States, it is widely observed in the Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican denominational traditions.
Why Does the Ascension of Jesus Matter?
The ascension of Jesus is significant because it is the fulfillment of Jesus’ earthly ministry. As a bookend to the Son of God’s incarnation and descent to earth, Jesus’ return to heaven is a reminder of His rightful place at the right hand of the Father.
It’s also a monumental moment in the sense that Jesus’ departure meant His ministry was being transferred to the disciples. As part of this handoff, the disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came, as promised in John 15:26 (which would be fulfilled on the day of Pentecost).
How Is Ascension Day Celebrated?
Denominations celebrate the holiday in a variety of ways. Many churches hold a service with special liturgy for the holiday. In some areas, this includes a ceremony called the “Beating of the Bounds,” where parishioners walk around the boundaries of the parish (or church) and tap markers with sticks.
Some cultures hold a procession using torches and banners meant to imitate Jesus’ journey to the Mount of Olives. In medieval times, churches would imitate the ascension by lifting a statue of Christ through a church’s roof with an accompaniment of music and singing.
And as with many religious holidays, Ascension Day has been celebrated with a festive meal (often referred to as the Feast of the Ascension). The meal often includes birds like pigeons or pheasants, representing Christ’s “flight” to heaven, or pastries in the shape of birds.
Prayers for Ascension Day
Even if you’re not part of a denomination or movement that observes Ascension Day, you can still celebrate the truth that Jesus is sitting on His throne in heaven! Spend time reading about the ascension (accounts found in Mark 16 and Luke 24), worshiping, or praying. Here are a few prayers you can pray this Ascension Day.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending your Son, Jesus, to earth. You are perfect in all of Your ways. I ask that You would remind me to lift my eyes up to heaven and give you praise. Amen.
Jesus, I praise You for Your unending love and selflessness. Thank You for coming to earth, living a perfect life, and dying on the cross so that I could have new life. I praise You as the King of kings and Lord of lords. You alone are seated at the right hand of the Father. Help me to live in a way that honors You. In Your name I pray, amen.
Dear God, help me to remember the great power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank You for offering me salvation through Your Son. I ask that Your Spirit would lead me to continue faithfully in the ministry and mission of Jesus. Be glorified throughout my life. Amen.
