What is Ascension Day and why do Christians celebrate it?

The marking of Jesus’ ascent into heaven is a profound celebration of his triumph over death, says Rev Dr K Augustine Tanner-Ihm. Here’s why we celebrate it, and what it means for Christians of all denominations

Ascension Day holds a significant place in the hearts of Christians worldwide. For most of my Christian journey, I did not have much experience with the celebration of the Ascension. Growing up in a charismatic church, the only observant we held was Christmas and Holy Week - mostly because it was expected by culture to have these services in a church and, to be honest, it was a clear way of sharing the gospel, because people came to us at those times.

But Ascension Day is something altogether different.