"Christ is with us, in the Holy Spirit, and at the same time, he dwells in the heavenly realm. So it is that our prayers (like smoke, or a kite rising) are lifted, through Christ, unto God the Father."
1. The Ascension Narrative
The scriptural basis for the Feast of the Accession comes mainly from Acts 1:1-19. Here is a brief summary:
Luke writes that Jesus spent forty days with his followers in Jerusalem after his resurrection, and "spoke [to them] about the kingdom of God." Jesus promised his friends that they would receive the Holy Spirit, and he instructed them to be his witnesses, not only in Jerusalem, but also in the surrounding areas and "to the ends of the earth." After this, he "ascended to heaven," where a cloud hid them from their eyes.
2. Ascension Craft
On Ascension Day, we celebrate that Jesus the son of Mary, is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. He is with us, in the Holy Spirit, and at the same time, he dwells in the heavenly realm. So it is that our prayers (like smoke, or a kite rising) are lifted, through Christ, unto God the Father. With that in mind, Flame: Creative Children's Ministry (a website the United Kingdom) offers this brilliant spiral craft that use the illustration of the spiral to represent our prayers being lifted.
3. From Building Faith
A few years back we published Ascension Through the Eyes of a Child by Sharon Ely Pearson offers discussion prompts and questions for teaching children. There are also some clever links.
4. Children's Activities for Ascension
The "Barnabas in Churches" website from the UK, has a treasure trove of Ascension posts, most of which include activities for explaining and acting out the concepts in creative ways.
5. Video from Fr. Koz on the meaning of Ascension
For a little fun (and a theological explanation), check out Matthew Kozlowski's video on Ascension Day from 2013.
6. Ascension Day Prayer
The following prayer comes from Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006)
Almighty God, your only Son was taken into the heavens and in your presence intercedes for us. Receive us and our prayers for all the world, and in the end bring everything into your glory, through Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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