Adapted from Acts 1:6-11 (NLT)

When the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 

As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

(NLT, adapted for liturgical use)

Clap your hands, all you peoples! 

God has gone up with a shout of joy. 

The Lord Jesus Christ has risen to reign; 

His is the name above all names. 

We are witnesses: the Lord is risen! 

Christ has ascended to reign on high. 

Submitted by Austin D. Hill