WATCH NIGHT

AFRICAN-AMERICAN WATCH NIGHT SERVICE

CHURCH STAIN GLASS WINDOW

Today it is New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2012.  Traditionally Christians in the African-American communities celebrate Watch Night by gathering at our churches on the last evening of the year to attend special services that begin anywhere between the hours of 7 and 10:00 p. m. and continue through midnight into the New Year.

CHURCH STAIN GLASS WINDOW

These services are regarded by participants as a time to reflect upon and give thanks for the departing year and pray for the future. It is a spiritual way of celebrating a largely secular holiday.

CHURCH STAIN GLASS WINDOW

The event, known as Watch Night, occupies a special place in African-American communities across America. In 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln announced that the Emancipation Proclamation would take effect Jan. 1, freeing all slaves in Confederate states, abolitionists and slaves reportedly gathered together on what was called “Freedom’s Eve” to await and watch what the new year would bring.  This act would eventually become known as Watch Night.

CHURCH STAIN GLASS WINDOW

Among African-American congregations, the meaning of Watch Night has since become permanently woven into the fabric of the service, making New Year’s Eve Watch Night services as much now about remembering the end of slavery as it is upon personal reflection on the state of one’s soul, relationship with God and gratitude for another year of grace.

HEAD OF CHRIST

MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH HEALTH, PEACE, LOVE AND HAPPINESS

IN THE YEAR 2013!

BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!

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