The good brother Will Weedon has written a lament over the slow death of Ascension Day services among Lutherans (and other liturgical churches). I must admit I too lament their demise. God has gone up with a shout (says the Psalmist); today He goes up with nary a glance or thought -- a whimper more than a trumpet. Something wrong here. In my parish we have a morning service AND an evening service of Holy Communion on Ascension Day (and unless I am wrong we may have a combined 50-70 folks). But it is also slowly declining in numbers.
I am away for a family wedding and found that none of the local Lutheran parishes here had an Ascension Day service -- all transferred the day to Sunday following. How sad! Why could the LCMS parishes not combine for at least one Ascension Day service in a town?
Funny how God comes in nearly anonymously -- a few shepherds and some singing angels -- while a world snored away. His triumphal ascension to the right hand of glory and power was not anonymous. He spoke clearly about His leaving and the coming of the Paraclete. His disciples did not want to hear of it ("Where are you going and how are we to know where?") but Jesus was talking about it all along. Now we face Pentecost (so late this year on June 12) and summer vacations will find Pentecost nearly as forgotten as Ascension Day. So much for leaving with a shout and the sound of a trumpet. No one left standing staring into the heavens (except some disillusioned Camping followers). We are too busy to come Thursday or to gather for the promised Spirit who comes as promised. We are just too busy then.... The hymn bids us but there are few to hear its urging:
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious; See the Man of Sorrows now!
From the fight returned victorious, Every knee to Him shall bow.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Crowns become the Victor's brow.
Crown the Savior! Angels, crown Him! Rich the trophies Jesus brings;
On the seat of power enthrone Him While the vault of heaven rings.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Crown the Savior King of kings.
Sinners in derision crowned Him, Mocking thus the Savior's claim;
Saints and angels crowd around Him, Own His title, praise His name.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Spread abroad the Victor's fame!
Hark, those bursts of acclamation! Hark, those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station; Oh, what joy the sight affords!
Crown Him! Crown Him! King of kings and Lord of lords! 
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