Ascension Day

Ascension Day

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

Mark 16:19

The Amish don’t celebrate many English holidays, but forty days after Easter, on the day before Pentecost, they celebrate Ascension Day, which remembers Christ’s ascent into heaven. The morning is spent fasting, and during the afternoon families visit or perhaps fish together. It’s a good time to pause from the bustle of spring planting and schoolwork to enjoy time together.

There is much meaning to be found in the understanding that Jesus reigns with God in heaven. The following translation of an Amish Ascension prayer gives evidence of that:

Oh, Lord Jesus Christ, Thou majestic Victor and almighty victorious Prince, allow me to praise Thy joyful ascension, let me glorify Thy blessed ascent—for now all our enemies are conquered, because Thou has risen on high and hast led captivity captive—who would not sing praises about this? For now neither the world nor hellish Satan, neither hell nor death, shall be able to triumph over us, because Thou hast made an open display of them and hast made a triumph of (over) them—who would not wish to extol (exalt) this?

Although we know that one day we will be in heaven with God, it’s easy to forget what God has already done for us now. He is victorious. He has triumphed and will triumph at the end of time. Just as the disciples lifted their eyes to watch Jesus ascend into the clouds, today let us lift our gaze to Him in awe of what He has already done.

Dear heavenly Father, I lift my eyes to You. I thank You that You reign for eternity and that You are always watching out for me. I extol You, Lord, for all You’ve done!