Chad meditates on the Psalms of Ascent, and relates this journey to our own journey toward the new Jerusalem. Jonathan, Amanda and Emmy Noel sing "On The Way Up To Zion". Bethany Bordeaux is featured with her evocative violin playing. 

In their last Q&A with Jesus, the disciples ask, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" I used to think that was a dumb question by confused disciples. I was wrong. In his response, Jesus teaches them--and us--what the restoration of Israel's kingdom really looks like.

When Christians die, heaven does not “get another angel.” We cannot become angels any more than we can become giraffes or ocean waves or stars. We are people and will remain so after this present life. God did not make a mistake when he made us human.

Because of the ascension, the manger has become the cosmos.

What Jesus did and gives on these two Thursdays encapsulates his whole life and mission.