Ascension of the Lord
Forty days after celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord, near the conclusion of the season of Easter, we commemorate the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ into heaven. On this day in particular, we give thanks for Christ's sovereign rule over all creation, as well as his priestly intercession for us at the throne of God's mercy. We proclaim with joy that Jesus is already Lord of heaven and earth and head of the Church, and watch with longing for the day when he will come again in the glory of God's new creation.
The theological affirmation of Christ's ascension to reign and promised return is more important than the date on which the festival is observed. Prior to the end of the fourth century, when it was fixed on the fortieth day of Easter to follow the chronology of Acts, Jesus' ascension may have been celebrated earlier in the Easter season or in connection with Pentecost. Some congregations today celebrate the Ascension of the Lord on the Seventh Sunday of Easter.
COLORS: white and gold
- from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship (2018)
The theological affirmation of Christ's ascension to reign and promised return is more important than the date on which the festival is observed. Prior to the end of the fourth century, when it was fixed on the fortieth day of Easter to follow the chronology of Acts, Jesus' ascension may have been celebrated earlier in the Easter season or in connection with Pentecost. Some congregations today celebrate the Ascension of the Lord on the Seventh Sunday of Easter.
COLORS: white and gold
- from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship (2018)