Happy Ascension Day
Let me be the first to say to you, Happy Ascension Day! Today we commemorate when Jesus’ disciples witnessed their risen Lord being “taken up to heaven” (Luke 24:50-51). It’s understandable if you didn’t know about this special date. Generally speaking, it’s a day on the church calendar that often comes quietly and goes with little attention or fanfare.
Who’s in Charge?
Happy Ascension Day! This day marks the time when Jesus was “taken up into” heaven 40 days after rising from the dead (Acts 1:9).
taken
There are three major events in Jesus’ life that most Christian churches commemorate with special services: Christmas, celebrating Jesus’ incarnation and birth; Good Friday, commemorating His crucifixion and death; and Easter Sunday,celebrating His resurrection—His coming back from the dead. Some churches include Pentecost Sunday as the church’s birthday. There is, however, one important event that is forgotten by most Christians: Ascension Day—the day Jesus was taken into heaven. For some reason, our Lord’s return to heaven is not given the prominence in the church that it deserves.
gone home
One of my favorite movies is the 1982 science fiction blockbuster E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. The movie ends with an emotional scene as E.T. says goodbye to his young friend Elliot. Before entering the spaceship, E.T. tells him, “I’ll be right here,” pointing his glowing finger to Elliott’s head. E.T. then walks into the spaceship and takes off, leaving a rainbow in…
