Ascended on High

He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. - Ephesians 4:10

During this time of the Church Year we have been in remembrance of the great events of our Savior. The annual cycle of the church year has its seasons. As we celebrate through this cycle we commemorate the great events of our  Savior.  These  are  his  saving  works including his birth, his life, his death, his resurrection, and also his ascension. Soon we will celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord. At Saint John we have shared in this commemoration annually over the course of some years. Ascension Day is a fitting compliment to the Easter resurrection celebration we have shared, for he who is risen is now lifted high above.

Weekly we confess his ascension in the words of the Nicene Creed. Yet we often likely do not reflect on the profound truths of our Lord’s ascension. Let us give thanks that our Lord was raised as our Savior, raised to pray for us as his own people. Now crowned as the ascended King he brings in his kingdom through the preaching of the gospel. As Saint Paul has said, Jesus our king has ascended now far above all the heavens so that he might fill all things, that is, reign over all and continue to call his people to his Kingdom.

Jesus’ ascension took place forty days after his resurrection. As we plan to celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord this year we will therefore meet on Thursday, May 29th at 7:00

p.m. for the full Divine Service. Ascension is sometimes associated with incense. We will be offering incense for this service in remembrance of our Lord who is now lifted on high. Please join us for this special commemoration and celebration. For our Lord, now risen is ascended on high, with us always till the end of the age!

Pastor