Ascension of the Lord: The occasion on which the risen Christ is taken into heaven after appearing to his followers for forty days (Acts 1:1-11, Mk 16:19). The Ascension marks the conclusion of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances. It is the final elevation of his human nature to divine glory and the near presence of God. The Ascension is affirmed by the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds. The Ascension is celebrated on Ascension Day, the Thursday that is the fortieth day of the Easter season. Alternatively, it can be celebrated on the closest Sunday. It is a principal feast of the church year in the Anglican Church. Many Canadian Anglican parishes already observe Ascension Sunday instead of the Sunday after Ascension.

The Ascension is described in several passages of the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles (1:9-11), where it states that after Jesus spoke to His disciples, He was lifted up and a cloud took Him from their sight. 

Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father’s glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the hope of one day being with him forever. Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of heaven once and for all, intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Holy God, send your promised Spirit of revelation and wisdom, so that, in the blessed freedom of hope, we may witness to the grace of forgiveness and sing with joy to the One who makes us one. Amen. Revised Common Lectionary Prayers (2002) alt.