What is Ascension Day?
Ascension Day is one of the great feasts of the Christian liturgical year, celebrated by Anglicans and many other Christians worldwide. Observed forty days after Easter, it commemorates the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, marking the culmination of his earthly ministry and his exaltation to the right hand of God. Ascension Day holds profound theological significance, pointing to Christ’s victory, his ongoing priestly work, and the hope of our own resurrection.
The Biblical Foundation of Ascension Day
The Ascension is recorded primarily in two New Testament passages. The Gospel of Luke describes the event: “And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven” (Luke 24:50-51, ESV). The Ascension fulfills Jesus’ own words in John’s Gospel: “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17, ESV). The Book of Acts provides further detail: “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” (Acts 1:9, ESV). These accounts emphasize the physical, visible nature of Christ’s departure, affirming his glorified humanity and divine authority.
Theological Significance
Ascension Day celebrates Christ’s exaltation and his role as our great high priest. The BCP 2019 captures this in its collect for Ascension Day:
Almighty God, whose only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven: May our hearts be set on things above, where he now sits at your right hand, clothed with majesty and authority to advocate and reign; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP 2019, p. 613)
This prayer reflects the Anglican emphasis on Christ’s heavenly session—his sitting at the right hand of God, as described in Hebrews: “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:19-20, ESV). The Ascension assures believers that Christ intercedes for us, bridging heaven and earth.
Moreover, the Ascension points to the promise of Christ’s return. As the angels declared to the disciples, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11, ESV). This eschatological hope shapes Anglican worship, reminding us to live in anticipation of Christ’s second coming.
The Liturgical Observance of Ascension Day
Anglicans observe Ascension Day as a principal feast, typically on the Thursday forty days after Easter, though some parishes transfer it to the following Sunday for pastoral reasons. The BCP 2019 assigns specific readings which highlight Christ’s departure and its implications for the church.
The Ascension also marks the beginning of a ten-day period leading to Pentecost, during which the church prays for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. During this time, Anglicans to seek spiritual renewal, aligning with the collect’s petition to set our hearts on heavenly things.
Historical Context and Anglican Practice
The celebration of Ascension Day dates back to the early church, with evidence of its observance by the fourth century. St. Augustine noted its universal recognition, attributing its origin to apostolic tradition.
Anglican worship on Ascension Day often balances joy and solemnity. The feast celebrates Christ’s triumph, yet it also acknowledges the disciples’ bittersweet experience of his departure. Parishes may hold processions, symbolizing Christ’s journey to heaven, or light paschal candles to recall his enduring presence. The eucharist, central to Anglican worship, becomes a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, where Christ reigns in glory.
Ascension Day and Christian Life
Ascension Day is not just a historical commemoration but a call to live in light of Christ’s ascended glory. The BCP 2019’s collect urges us to set our hearts “on things above,” echoing Paul’s exhortation: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1, ESV). This perspective challenges believers to prioritize eternal realities over temporal concerns, trusting in Christ’s ongoing work.
The Ascension also empowers mission. Before ascending, Jesus commissioned his disciples: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8, ESV). This as a mandate for evangelism and service, confident that the ascended Christ equips the church through the Holy Spirit.
Contemporary Relevance
In a world marked by uncertainty, Ascension Day offers hope. It reminds us that Christ reigns over all powers and principalities (Ephesians 1:21, ESV). It also fosters humility, as we recognize our dependence on Christ’s intercession. As the BCP 2019 prays, we seek to live with hearts fixed on heaven, where Christ advocates for us.
For modern Anglicans, Ascension Day invites reflection on how we embody Christ’s mission. Whether through seeking justice for all, community outreach, or personal holiness, the feast calls us to live as witnesses to the ascended Lord. It also prepares us for Pentecost, when the Spirit empowers the church to continue Christ’s work.
Conclusion
Ascension Day is a cornerstone of the Anglican liturgical year, celebrating Christ’s exaltation and his ongoing presence with his people. Rooted in scripture, it invites us to marvel at Christ’s victory, trust in his intercession, and live in hope of his return. As we sing, pray, and break bread together, may our hearts be set on things above, where Christ reigns in glory.