Ascension

<<the taking up of Christ to heaven>>

This occurred 40 days after His resurrection (Mk 16:19; Lk 24:50,51; Act 1:3,9). It marked the end of His earthly ministry, the completion of all He came to do, and the beginning of His heavenly High priest role where He is seated at the right hand of the Father – a position of honour and authority (Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Heb 4:14-16, 8:1). It was a literal, bodily ascending into the heavens and witnessed by many devote onlookers. The promise is He will return in a similar visible manner to earth at the end of this period of grace in which we are living (Act 1:10,11).

The Ascension preceded the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost that occurred 10 days later.  Some churches commemorate this event 40 days after Easter.

The Songs of Ascent (also called the Pilgrim Songs) are the group of Psalms 120-134 that were traditionally sung on the ascent or the uphill road to the city of Jerusalem, for the three main Jewish festivals (feasts) that the men were required to attend annually. Each of these songs/Psalms give encouragement for those who seek to worship God today

See also: Easter, end times, feasts, Pentecost.