Celebrate!

Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (Ascension Day BCP 226)

Ascension Day is a "Principal Feast Day" in the Episcopal and Lutheran Churches. However, it is one we tend to forget about too often; partially because it always falls on a Thursday and partially because we are all looking forward to Pentecost in ten days. On the list of Principal Feasts, Ascension, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday are the closest feasts together. In the space of 18 days, we have three high holy feast days. A lot to celebrate!

This year the Daughters of the King are participating in a novena, a nine day prayer journey between Ascension Day and Pentecost. The theme is "Thy Kingdom Come" and it is open for everyone to participate in. Each day has a devotion and a prayer prompt, with the idea of praying for five specific people for the novena to find Jesus. Imagine if we twenty five people prayed for five people to find Jesus and they do find Jesus, that's another 125 new Christians! A lot to celebrate!

We do indeed have a lot to celebrate. As more and more people receive the COVID-19 vaccine, we are able to regather together for worship and fellowship in safe and healthy ways. We can celebrate the presence of Jesus in our lives and the gifts of the Holy Spirit which empower us to spread God's Good News. We can celebrate together the ways in which God has enriched our lives despite all the craziness of the last year. I hope you will join us for in-person celebration on Pentecost and Trinity Sunday!