The Ascension

Today we're going to learn about a very special day called the Ascension, when Jesus went up to heaven! After Jesus rose from the dead on Easter, He spent forty days with His disciples, teaching them and showing them He was truly alive. The disciples were so happy to see their beloved teacher again! During these forty days, Jesus prepared them for something very important. He told them they would receive the Holy Spirit and become His witnesses to the whole world. Can anyone tell me what a witness does? That's right - they tell others what they have seen! On the fortieth day, Jesus led His disciples to the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem. There, something amazing happened! As Jesus was blessing them and speaking to them, He began to rise up into the sky! The disciples watched in wonder as Jesus ascended higher and higher until a cloud covered Him and they couldn't see Him anymore. Suddenly, two angels in white clothes appeared and said, 'Why are you looking up at the sky? This same Jesus will come back in the same way!' The disciples were filled with joy and returned to Jerusalem, praising God in the temple. What do you think the disciples felt when they saw Jesus go up to heaven? In our Maronite tradition, we celebrate the Ascension as a great feast because it shows us that Jesus is now our King in heaven, preparing a place for us. Even though we can't see Jesus with our eyes, He is always with us through His Spirit. The Ascension reminds us that one day, we too will be with Jesus in heaven if we follow Him faithfully!