Watch Night is an opportunity for the community to gather, say prayers and praise to God for the many blessings received; remember those who have died; and elevate the names of people who are suffering in mind, body or estate. It also allows us to greet the New Year rejoicing in the Power of the Holy Spirit. This year, since December 31 falls on a Sunday, the Late Service, from 5-6:15 pm will be reshaped by the Watch Night’s prayers and readings.
“Watch Night Services” can be traced back to December 31st, 1862, known as “Freedom’s Eve.” On that night, slaves came together in churches and private homes to await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law. At the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate states were declared legally free. Slaves were not freed in Texas until June 19, 1865 – Juneteenth. When the news was received in Galveston, Texas, freed slaves prayed, sang joyful songs and thanked God.
Americans of African descent have gathered in churches annually on New Year’s Eve ever since, praising God for bringing them safely through another year. It has been 160 years since that first Freedom’s Eve and tradition still brings us together on the 31st to celebrate “how we made it over.”
Please plan to join us on December 31, 5-6:15 pm.
