Tonight we celebrated the Ascension, on the eve of the feast. We commemorate the return of Christ to glory just prior to the giving of the Spirit on Pentecost.  In particular, we rejoiced in how Jesus has brought our human nature into the Father’s holy presence, paving the way for our future perfection in eternity.  Read, reflect, listen, and sing joyfully the hymn below-for Jesus has made our sanctification and glorification a promise in reality, not a vain hope in the imagination.

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Jesus, Who Rose to Realms on High (L. Anderson, 2016 – tune #400, Hymnal 1982)

Jesus, who rose to realms on high,

Our nature brought to God there nigh,

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Christ, perfect in humanity,

And fully known in deity.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

 

So, while we wait for his return,

For heav’n on earth our souls do yearn.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Yet earth in heaven now awaits,

Through Christ, until we see his face.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

 

His Spirit does within us dwell,

Boldly his story to forthtell,

Alleluia, Alleluia!

And to reflect our Savior’s heart,

Holy and loving, every part.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

 

When he returns, our glorious King,

With angel voices will we sing.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Then heaven will come down below;

Our being will God’s glory show.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!